Normal Flow (TIMI-3) Before Mechanical Reperfusion Therapy Is an Independent Determinant of Survival in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Patients undergoing primary PTCA in whom TIMI-3 flow is present before angioplasty present with greater clinical and angiographic evidence of myocardial salvage, are less likely to develop complications related to left ventricular failure, and have improved early and late survival. These data warrant prospective randomized trials of pharmacological strategies to promote early reperfusion before definitive mechanical intervention in acute myocardial infarction.