title: When in doubt, aspirate.
abstract: Coronary embolization accounts for about 2% of ST elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMI). Thrombus aspiration may be particularly effective in these cases and may prevent the need for coronary stenting. Despite recent guidelines assigning a class III recommendation to routine thrombus aspiration, selective thrombus aspiration based on angiographic appearance may be effective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Blankenship
mesh_terms: D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003328:Coronary Thrombosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D015607:Stents; D013396:Suction; D017131:Thrombectomy; D013927:Thrombosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome