Experimental Approaches to Acute Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

This thesis is dedicated to i) novel methods and optimization studies to improve the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction as well as fundamental studies that precede novel therapies for myocardial infarction. In part ii) 2 novel, adjunctive therapies for the early treatment of myocardial infarction and reperfusion injury are presented using promising drugs or neuro-humoral stimulation. The thesis is completed with part iii) which presents novel, adjunctive therapies for acute myocardial infarction that aim to improve long-term global and regional myocardial remodeling and attenuate infarct healing and geometry using novel drugs, mechanical stimulation or controlled regional angiogenesis.

The exiting results of the thesis include, but are not limited to, significant reductions in infarct size and no-reflow, improved infarct geometry and infarct composition, and increased infarct microvasculature. These results will eventually contribute to improved prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction.