Outcomes of primary coronary angioplasty and angioplasty after initial thrombolysis in the treatment of 374 consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction

In patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), the efficacy of thrombolysis is low. Angioplasty after failed thrombolysis (rescue percutaneous coronary angioplasty [PTCA]) has been associated with an increase in the incidence of inhospital complications. It has been proposed that these complications result from the procedure itself. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, inhospital complications, and mortality rate of patients with MI who are treated with primary PTCA and PTCA after initial thrombolysis (rescue or immediate rescue) in an experienced clinical center specializing in percutaneous coronary interventions.