Current care of the occlusive myocardial infarction (and/or STEMI) patient revolves around the concept of immediate reperfusion therapy. There is, however, emerging data which suggests that an alternative therapy other than PCI may be the new priority.
Learning Objectives:

At the completion of this presentation, the student will be able to define and describe ventricular unloading.
At the completion of this presentation, the student will be able to compare and contrast myocardial areas at risk for both immediate and delayed PCI.
At the completion of this presentation, the student will recognize the role and benefit of ventricular preconditioning.