ANGIOPLASTY OR THROMBOLYSIS FOR ACUTE INFARCTION

The benefit of thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction ha s been conclusively established by many trials. Direct angioplasty (wi thout thrombolytic therapy) is often utilized urgently for patients wi th acute infarction based on observational studies. Recently, three ra ndomized trials compared outcomes of patients undergoing thrombolysis versus direct angio-plasty. The results of these trials indicate that either strategy, if applied early, can benefit patients with acute inf arction. Specific advantages of angioplasty include slightly higher pa tency and flow rates in the infarct-related artery. However, thromboly sis is more readily available to large segments of the population. Eit her therapy must be applied early to be effective.