If PCI-capable facility is not available within an appropriate time window, what is an alternative reperfusion strategy?

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Multiple Choice

If PCI-capable facility is not available within an appropriate time window, what is an alternative reperfusion strategy?

When a PCI-capable facility cannot treat the patient within the time window, the goal is to restore blood flow to the blocked artery as quickly as possible with thrombolytic therapy. This pharmacologic reperfusion dissolves the clot and can save heart muscle and reduce mortality when PCI isn’t available promptly. The key is rapid administration—ideally within 30 minutes of arrival (door-to-needle) and within about 12 hours of symptoms—unless contraindicated. Delaying PCI for 24 hours, merely observing, or continuing with medical therapy alone do not achieve rapid reperfusion and miss the opportunity to salvage myocardium. Thrombolysis provides an actionable alternative to restore perfusion promptly when PCI cannot be obtained in a timely manner.

When a PCI-capable facility cannot treat the patient within the time window, the goal is to restore blood flow to the blocked artery as quickly as possible with thrombolytic therapy. This pharmacologic reperfusion dissolves the clot and can save heart muscle and reduce mortality when PCI isn’t available promptly. The key is rapid administration—ideally within 30 minutes of arrival (door-to-needle) and within about 12 hours of symptoms—unless contraindicated.

Delaying PCI for 24 hours, merely observing, or continuing with medical therapy alone do not achieve rapid reperfusion and miss the opportunity to salvage myocardium. Thrombolysis provides an actionable alternative to restore perfusion promptly when PCI cannot be obtained in a timely manner.

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