HEMODYNAMIC UNLOADING AND CARDIOPROTECTION IN MYOCARDIAL ISCHEMIA AND REPERFUSION INJURY

Abstract

Heart failure is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but myocardial infarction is the leading cause. A heart attack alters a viable myocardium, and this damaged tissue is replaced by a non-contractile scar, which leads to cardiac dysfunction and significantly increases the likelihood of developing heart failure in the patient. Limiting the size of a heart attack scar has been the goal of preclinical and clinical studies for decades. However, in addition to reperfusion, the clinic has not found an effective method of treatment that will limit the formation of the necrosis zone, respectively, new approaches are needed. This review reveals new clinical and preclinical evidence demonstrating that ventricular unloading prior to reperfusion with percutaneous left ventricular support devices reduces ischemic and reperfusion injury and limits the size of the infarction area. The focus will be on understanding the mechanisms of the new therapeutic approach in the treatment and prevention of myocardial infarction.