A randomized controlled clinical trial of prolonged balloon inflation during stent deployment strategy in primary

Min Ma1,2, Ling Wang3, Kai-Yue Diao4

  • 1Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 GuoXueXiang, Chengdu, 610041, China.

Insights

Prolonged balloon inflation during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) significantly reduces the no-reflow phenomenon. This strategy also improved myocardial microcirculation perfusion compared to conventional methods.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Myocardial Infarction Research

Background:

  • Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is standard for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) reperfusion.
  • The no-reflow phenomenon remains a common complication of PPCI, leading to adverse outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if prolonged balloon inflation during stent deployment in PPCI can reduce the incidence of the no-reflow phenomenon.
  • To compare this strategy against the conventional rapid inflation/deflation technique.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial comparing prolonged balloon inflation in stent deployment group (PBSG) with conventional deployment strategy group (CDSG).
  • Patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio.
  • Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was used to assess a subset of patients.

Main Results:

  • The PBSG showed significantly higher Thrombolysis in MI (TIMI) flow grade 3 (96.7% vs 63.3%) and reduced no-reflow (0% vs 30%) compared to CDSG.
  • Improved ST-segment resolution, corrected TIMI frame count, and myocardial blush grade were observed in the PBSG.
  • Cardiac magnetic resonance revealed significantly lower microvascular obstruction (MVO) in the PBSG (6.7% vs 50%).

Conclusions:

  • Prolonged balloon inflation during stent deployment in PPCI is an effective strategy to reduce the no-reflow phenomenon in STEMI patients.
  • This technique improves myocardial microcirculation perfusion and may reduce adverse cardiovascular events.
Abstract