The investigators previously reported that angioplasty postconditioning reduces infarct size (cardiac enzyme release) in STEMI patients with a fully occluded coronary artery at hospital admission. Animal studies have suggested that the time window for applying brief episodes of ischemia and reperfusion aimed at triggering postconditioning's protection is very narrow, i.e. does not expand beyond 1 minute after reflow. We sought to address whether this window might be larger in humans, i.e. whether STEMI patients might be protected several minutes after undergoing spontaneous reperfusion before admission coronary angiography.
Therefore, STEMI patients (onset of chest pain less than 12 hours) with a TIMI flow grade \> 1 were eligible for that study. Angioplasty postconditioning was completed as already published and infarct size was assessed by measuring cardiac enzymes release.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patient \> 18 years old
* Male or female
* Presenting first myocardial infarction, with the beginning of pains \< 12 hours,
* Requiring a revascularisation by primary angioplasty or " rescue " (after failure of thrombolysis) on LAD or RCA (not Circumflex coronary artery).
* TIMI flow grade at admission of 2 or 3
* LV angiography (RAO30°) before angioplasty.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Cardiac arrest before the angioplasty
* Cardiogenic shock
* Occlusion of the artery circumflex responsible for the infarction
* Visible collaterals to the area at risk
* Magnetic resonance imaging: contra indication
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.