Tools for noninvasive assessment of coronary arterial reperfusion.

For patients with acute myocardial infarction, the presence of a patent infarct-related coronary artery may be the most sensitive single predictor of clinical outcome and patient survival. Coronary angiography is the most direct means of assessing reperfusion status; however, availability, cost, and risk are potential concerns. Noninvasive markers are emerging which can reliably and rapidly determine vessel patency, circumventing the need for routine angiography.

Duke Scholars

Author Richard Clinton Becker Medicine, Cardiology