Current Problems in the Treatment of Acute Myocardial Infarction: For Better Reperfusion and Long-Term Benefits

Coronary reperfusion for an occluded vessel with ruptured vulnerable plaque and clot burden in patients with acute myocardial infarction is now more easily performed due to the development of devices and techniques for percutaneous coronary intervention. However, even after successful coronary intervention, some patients may still have complications such as heart failure, stent thrombosis, or restenosis, which require revascularization in the long-term follow-up period and may affect their survival. Here, outstanding issues concerning primary percutaneous coronary intervention and patient medical care after reperfusion therapy are discussed.