“Rescue” Utilization of Abciximab for the Dissolution of Coronary Thrombus Developing as Complication of Coronary Angioplasty

Objectives. This study sought to test the effect on thrombus score of the “rescue” utilization of the glycoprotein IIb/III antagonist abciximab given to patients in whom intracoronary thrombus has developed as complication after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and to determine its clinical utility. Background. Abciximab is effective in the prevention of acute ischemic complications when given prophylactically to patients during high risk PTCA. However, its ability to therapeutically dissolve newly formed intracoronary thrombus occurring as complication after PTC is not known. Methods. We performed an observational study in 29 consecutive patients who received abciximab (0.25 mg/kg body weight intravenous bolus, followed by 12-h infusion at 10 μg/min) after attempted PTC caused either the new development or further progression of thrombus. Angiograms were analyzed to determine thrombus score and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) flow grade before and after abciximab. Procedural and clinical success and long-term outcome were also determined. Results. Thrombus score decreased from 3.0 ± 0.9 (mean ± SD) to 0.86 ± 0.92 (p < 0.001), and TIMI flow grade increased from 2.5 ± 0.7 to 2.9 ± 0.3 (p = 0.008). No instances of distal embolization or no-reflow were noted. The procedural success (≤50% residual stenosis) rate was 97%. The clinical success (procedural success with no in-hospital myocardial infarction, bypass surgery or death) rate was 93%. Conclusions. Dissolution of thrombus and restoration of TIMI grade 3 flow were readily achieved after administration of abciximab when delivered in “rescue” manner after the development of thrombosis after PTCA. This novel use of abciximab will need to be validated in randomized trials.