Primary coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction.

It is well established that recanalisation of the infarct-related artery is of great benefit in the early hours after acute myocardial infarction. This can be achieved by the use of thrombolytic agents and/or by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). This article reviews data on the role of primary PTCA and summarises current opinion on its use.