Infarct size and left ventricular function in the PRoximal Embolic Protection in Acute myocardial infarction and

J D Haeck1, W J Kuijt, K T Koch

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. j.d.haeck@amc.uva.nl

Insights

Adding embolic protection during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) did not reduce final infarct size or improve heart function. Outcomes were similar between STEMI patients receiving PCI with embolic protection and those receiving PCI alone.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging

Background:

  • Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the standard treatment for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
  • Proximal embolic protection devices aim to improve microvascular flow post-PCI, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.
  • The PREPARE trial investigated the efficacy of combined proximal embolic protection and thrombus aspiration during primary PCI in STEMI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if combined proximal embolic protection and thrombus aspiration during primary PCI reduces final infarct size.
  • To assess if this combined approach improves left ventricular function in STEMI patients.
  • To compare cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) outcomes between STEMI patients treated with and without embolic protection.

Main Methods:

  • Ancillary cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) study of 206 STEMI patients from the PREPARE trial.
  • CMR imaging was performed 4 to 6 months after the primary PCI procedure.
  • Key metrics assessed included final infarct size, left ventricular ejection fraction, and systolic wall thickening.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in final infarct size between the embolic protection group (6.1 g/m²) and the control group (6.3 g/m²).
  • Left ventricular ejection fraction remained similar, with no significant difference observed between groups (50% vs. 50%).
  • Systolic wall thickening and the extent of transmural segments also showed no significant differences; major adverse cardiac and cerebral events were comparable at 6 months.

Conclusions:

  • Combined proximal embolic protection and thrombus aspiration during primary PCI in STEMI does not significantly reduce final infarct size.
  • This approach did not lead to significant improvements in left ventricular function at follow-up CMR.
  • The incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebral events was similar in both treatment groups, suggesting no added benefit from embolic protection in this context.
Abstract