Impact of preprocedural TIMI flow on myocardial perfusion, distal embolization and mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated by primary angioplasty and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors.

Abstract Despite optimal epicardial recanalization, primary angioplasty for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is still associated with suboptimal reperfusion in a relatively large proportion of patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of preprocedural TIMI flow on myocardial perfusion, distal embolization, and survival among STEMI patients undergoing primary angioplasty with glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Our population is represented by a total of 1637 patients undergoing primary angioplasty for STEMI treated with GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Myocardial perfusion was evaluated by myocardial blush grade and ST-segment resolution. Follow-up data were collected between 30 days and 1 year after primary angioplasty. Poor preprocedural TIMI flow (TIMI 0-1) was observed in 1039 patients (63.5%), and was associated with higher Killip class at presentation (P=.006), longer time-to-treatment (P=.03), less often with early administration of GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors (P