Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction (PAMI)

Abstract

Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction (PAMI) or Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) is the angioplasty done as a life-saving emergency procedure in a patient with an on-going myocardial infarction. As the major pathology behind myocardial infarction is a completely occluded culprit vessel, timely revascularisation represents the most effective way of reperfusing the jeopardized myocardium. The term coronary angioplasty is used to describe a technique wherein a balloon is used to crush blockages in the blood vessels (coronary arteries) supplying the heart and thereby restoring blood flow. These procedures are invariably followed by insertion of metal scaffolding called a stent which prevents recoil and reduces re-blockage at the ballooned site.