The Open-Artery Hypothesis: An Overview.

The open artery hypothesis postulates salutary effects distinct from myocardial salvage referable to infarct related arterial patency. Short and long term clinical trials, as well as studies in animal models have suggested clinical benefit in patients with sustained infarct related arterial patency. Mechanisms of benefit are not entirely clear, but probably relate to mitigation of post infarction left ventricular remodeling and improvement in several electrophysiologic parameters. The effect of infarct related arterial patency on post infarction prognosis, presumed mechanisms of benefit and noninvasive assessment of arterial patency are summarized in this review.