• Keeley et al conducted a meta-analysis of 23 trials that randomly assigned 7739 patients with ST-elevation MI (STEMI) to primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or thrombolysis.¹

• As shown, primary PTCA was better than thrombolytic therapy at reducing short-term death, nonfatal MI, and stroke. Benefits were independent of the type of thrombolytic agent used.

• These findings show the potential importance of advances in PTCA technology and use of antithrombotic agents such as the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors.

¹ Keeley EC, Boura JA, Grines CL. Primary angioplasty versus intravenous thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction: A quantitative review of 23 randomised trials. Lancet. 2003;361:13-20.