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Updated: May 9, 2026

Postconditioning with Lactate-enriched Blood for Cardioprotection in ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Published on: May 28, 2019
[Myocardial revascularization]
H Möllmann1, S Szardien, J Kempfert
1Abteilung für Kardiologie, Kerckhoff-Klinik Bad Nauheim, Benekestrasse 2-8, Bad Nauheim, Germany. h.moellmann@kerckhoff-klinik.de
Insights
Coronary artery disease (CAD) treatment has evolved, with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) and surgical revascularization now offering comparable outcomes. Advances in stent technology have significantly reduced in-stent restenosis, improving patient care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
Context:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) presents a significant public health challenge globally.
- Historically, treatment options for CAD were limited to surgical revascularization or medication.
- Percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) have emerged as a key therapeutic modality.
Purpose:
- To review the current treatment strategies for coronary artery disease (CAD).
- To compare the efficacy of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) versus surgical revascularization.
- To highlight advancements in stent technology and their impact on reducing in-stent restenosis.
Summary:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) management has advanced significantly, with both PCI and surgical revascularization demonstrating comparable effectiveness.
- New stent materials and coatings have substantially decreased the incidence of in-stent restenosis, a previous limitation of PCI.
- Treatment decisions are individualized, considering factors like disease extent, stenosis complexity, comorbidities, and patient health.
Impact:
- PCI and surgical revascularization are now considered equally valuable for treating CAD.
- Patient-specific factors and multidisciplinary
- heart team
- discussions are crucial for optimal treatment planning.
- Ongoing research and technological innovations continue to improve outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease.
Abstract:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in western countries and is of significant socio-economic importance due to its increasing prevalence. Until percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) were established, CAD could only be treated by surgical revascularization or pharmacological therapy. In-stent restenosis remains a major problem after stent implantation. However, the use of new materials and stent coatings have led to a significant reduction in in-stent restenosis. Thus, surgical revascularization and PCI are currently of equal value for the treatment of CAD. The decision-making for PCI or surgical revascularization depends on various factors such as number of diseased vessels, complexity of the coronary stenoses, concomitant diseases, and the patient's general condition. The therapeutic regime of every patient should be adjusted to the recommendations of the European and German Society for Cardiology, while controversial and complex cases should be discussed in an interdisciplinary case conference ("heart team").
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