Distal embolization of thrombus resulting in microvascular obstruction can result in incomplete myocardial reperfusion after primary percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. In this Review, Mahmoud and Zijlstra discuss the use of thrombus aspiration to enhance myocardial reperfusion, and how this technique has improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of acute myocardial infarction.
- Karim D. Mahmoud
- Felix Zijlstra