Cardioprotected Percutaneous Coronary Intervention – A Case Study in a Stable Angina Patient

Abstract

Fast and effective opening of epicardial arteries by thrombolysis or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to restore perfusion to the jeopardised myocardium is considered the cornerstone in the treatment of patients with an acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) leading to a reduction in morbidity and mortality. However, despite successful opening of the coronary artery, myocardial reperfusion remains suboptimal (i.e. measured by blush grade) and results in up to 30–40% of the STEMI patients that is associated with a worse clinical outcome. In this case study of a stable angina patient we document for the first time that cardioprotected PCI (cPCI) using Pressure-controlled Intermittent Coronary Sinus Occlusion (PICSO®) has the potential to increase left anterior descending (LAD) wedge pressure and reduce ischaemia as measured by surface electrocardiogram (ECG). The next step in the development of cPCI will be to apply the PICSO technology in STEMI patients.