Update on management of acute myocardial infarction: facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention

Combination therapy with abciximab and reteplase and heparin allows high rates of patency 60 minutes after therapy. PTCA is facilitated by these adjunctive therapies to improve procedural outcomes. Stent implantation and blockade of the platelet GP IIb/IIIa receptor with abciximab provide potent complementary benefits allowing PTCA to be performed at a new standard of safety and efficacy. Thus the acronym FPCI stands for the use of drugs, angioplasty and stenting. Time and experience will determine the efficacy of the combined pharmacological-mechanical bridge. We believe that FPCI is the wave of the future and that in skilled hands this emergent coordinated care of acute MI has lowered and will continue to lower morbidity and mortality in acute coronary events.