A randomized trial of late reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction. Thrombolysis and Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction-6 Study Group.

Abstract

The study demonstrates that it is possible to achieve infarct vessel recanalization in the majority of late-entry patients with either thrombolytic therapy or angioplasty. Thrombolytic intervention had a favorable effect on prevention of cavity dilatation and left ventricular remodeling, but there are no late benefits on systolic function after thrombolysis or coronary angioplasty. The conclusions concerning overall potential benefit of applying late reperfusion therapy will require data from large-scale trials designed to assess mortality reduction.