Efficacy of thrombectomy for acute myocardial infarction—Special focus on its efficacy according to different infarct-related arteries

SummaryBackgroundThe efficacy of thrombectomy during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) has not yet been fully evaluated. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the usefulness of manual thrombectomy for STEMI and to clarify whether different infarct-related arteries (IRAs) influence the efficacy of thrombectomy.Methods and resultsWe enrolled 183 patients with STEMI who underwent PCI within 24 h after onset between October 2001 and January 2004. We divided these patients into 2 groups, namely 88 patients who had undergone PCI after manual thrombectomy (Th+ group) and 95 patients who were treated with PCI alone (Th− group). The Th+ group had lower incidences of distal embolization and no-reflow phenomenon than the Th− group (6.8% vs. 27.4%, p = 0.0003; and 5.7% vs. 23.2%, p = 0.0009, respectively). The percentage of complete ST-segment resolution (STR) after PCI and left ventricular ejection fraction 6 months after the procedure were significantly higher in the Th+ group (43.2% vs. 20%, p = 0.002; and 60.1% vs. 54.8%, p = 0.004, respectively). Regarding different IRAs, the percentage of complete STR was significantly higher in patients with proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and right coronary artery (RCA) lesions in the Th+ group (37.5% vs. 9.7%, p < 0.05; and 59.5% vs. 30.3%, p < 0.05, respectively). Incidences of adverse events were similar in both groups.ConclusionsManual thrombectomy for STEMI can improve myocardial reperfusion after PCI and left ventricular function late after the procedure. With respect to different IRAs, manual thrombectomy for STEMI is more effective in proximal LAD and RCA lesions.