Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation and delayed revascularization for myocardial infarction and shock in the absence of primary angioplasty: a treatment strategy with or without thrombolysis?

Abstract

In patients presenting with acute MI and cardiogenic shock, TT as an adjunct to IABC added no therapeutic benefit when compared with IABC alone. In contrast, the survival of patients was significantly increased by delayed invasive revascularization in both treatment groups. These observations suggest that, when revascularization facilities are not available, stabilization with IABC, followed by prompt transfer for delayed revascularization to a tertiary care hospital, might be the preferred management strategy for patients presenting with post-MI cardiogenic shock.