Improved outcome with AngioJet thrombectomy during primary stenting in acute myocardial infarction patients with

Samin K Sharma1, Frank Tamburrino, Angelica M Mares

  • 1Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory of the Cardiovascular Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA. samin.sharma@msnyuhealth.org

Insights

AngioJet thrombectomy before primary stenting in acute myocardial infarction (MI) with high-grade thrombus improves blood flow. This intervention shows a trend toward better short- and long-term outcomes, reducing major adverse cardiac events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Primary stenting in acute myocardial infarction (MI) can be complicated by slow-flow/no-reflow phenomena.
  • Distal embolization of intracoronary thrombus is a primary cause of these complications.
  • The AngioJet thrombectomy catheter is used to mitigate distal embolization and enhance flow.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of AngioJet thrombectomy during primary stenting in acute MI patients with high-grade thrombus (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] grade ≥3).
  • To assess the impact on epicardial and microvascular flow, and clinical outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 95 acute MI patients with TIMI thrombus grade ≥3 who underwent primary stenting.
  • Patients were divided into two groups: those treated with AngioJet thrombectomy (n=52) and those without (n=43).
  • Epicardial and microvascular flow were assessed using TIMI flow rates, corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC), and TIMI myocardial perfusion grade (TMPG). 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and 1-year survival were followed.

Main Results:

  • Baseline characteristics were comparable between the AngioJet and no-AngioJet groups.
  • AngioJet use was associated with improved TIMI flow, TMP grade, and CTFC.
  • A trend towards lower 30-day and 1-year MACE was observed in the AngioJet group.

Conclusions:

  • AngioJet thrombectomy prior to stenting in acute MI patients with high-grade thrombus significantly improves both epicardial and microvascular flow.
  • The procedure demonstrates a trend towards better short-term and long-term clinical outcomes, including reduced MACE.
  • AngioJet is a valuable tool for managing thrombus burden in acute MI, potentially improving procedural success and patient prognosis.
Abstract