[The no-reflow phenomenon following percutaneous coronary intervention]

The no-reflow phenomenon after successful coronary artery perfusion is caused by a myocardial perfusion defect due to impaired blood flow in the microvascular bed. This phenomenon is more prevalent among acute myocardial infarction patients who have additional cardiovascular risk factors, and its presence constitutes an independent negative prognostic sign. The impaired microvascular myocardial blood flow is caused by microemboli and by intracellular processes taking place during the reperfusion phase. In the last few years, many studies have been published regarding new diagnostic and treatment modalities based on a better understanding of the pathophysiological processes implicated.