ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION For several years, stenting has been avoided in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), because the implantation of a metallic device, within a thrombotic environment, such as that of a plaque disruption resulting in myocardial infarction, would be likely to precipitate stent thrombosis with resultant vessel occlusion. Vigorous anticoagulation, necessary to avoid stent thrombosis, exposed the patient to the risk of bleeding and vascular complications (1). All these considerations have led most investigators to restrict stenting in AMI to bail-out situations. However, improvement of stent deployment techniques and advances in antiplatelet therapy (2-5) have shown that stenting in the setting of STEMI is safe and effective (6-17).
