Pathophysiology of myocardial reperfusion.

The feasibility of myocardial reperfusion is established. However, restoring patency to epicardial coronary arteries does not necessarily signify restoration of tissue perfusion or restoration of biochemical or mechanical function to the heart muscle previously supplied by the occluded vessel. This review examines the biochemical, functional, and histopathologic changes associated with myocardial reperfusion in an attempt to define the constraints within which reperfusion may lead to optimal recovery of myocardium, and to explore future possibilities for maximizing benefits of reperfusion while minimizing potential reperfusion injury.