Summary
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) results from acute thrombotic obstruction
of a coronary artery. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the treatment of
choice to restore blood flow. The incidence of guidewire-induced reopening of the
infarct-related coronary artery (IRA) and its association with post-procedural TIMI
flow and long-term mortality were assessed. Angiograms of consecutive STEMI patients
admitted to the catheter laboratory of the Medical University of Vienna between January
2003 and December 2005 were analysed. TIMI flow was graded prior to and after guidewire
insertion into the distality of the IRA, and at the end of the procedure. Initial
TIMI 0 flow was present in 476 (47.0%) of 1,012 cases. Target vessel reopening after
guidewire insertion defined as any flow >TIMI 0 flow occurred in 150 patients (37.2%),
and was associated with improved survival after a median of 914 (609–1,238) days (p=0.017).
Reflow after guidewire insertion was an independent predictor of post-procedural TIMI
flow (odds ratio=3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.64 – 5.86], p<0.001) and mortality
(hazard ratio=0.51, CI=0.28 – 0.94], p=0.029). Target vessel reopening by guidewire
insertion is a new predictor of prognosis. Target vessel flow after guidewire insertion
should be assessed in a standardised fashion during PCI.
Keywords
Myocardial infarction - prognosis - thrombectomy - guidewire - reper-fusion