The role of cardiac surgery in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome with stelevation

Abstract

Percutaneous coronary revascularization of the „culprit“ lesion is the most contemporary method of treating patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) of all forms. In the management of acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), cardiac surgery remains, in most cases, a third option following PCI and thrombolysis, nevertheless serves an important role in a select subgroups of patients. This review will discuss current indications and potentiality of cardiac surgery in the treatment of patients with STEMI.