Looking Beyond Reperfusion

Abstract

Acute Myocardial Infarction is thrombotic occlusion of coronary artery and sudden stoppage of blood supply leading to death of heart muscles. The Reperfusion phase of the treatment although promising could salvage at best only 2-4% of the myocardium at 6 months and also carries the risk of reperfusion injury. Despite the best optimal reperfusion therapy, the mortality of AMI still remains 9% at one year and cardiac failure occurs in 11.0%. This appeals us to look beyond reperfusion therapy, repairing or regenerating lost myocardium via cell based therapy, tissue engineering and gene therapy. Efforts are directed towards regenerating myocardium which may revolutionize the treatment of AMI. This not only will decrease the mortality but also improve long term survival and quality of life.