Free-radical generation during angioplasty reperfusion for acute myocardial infarction.

We describe direct and quantitative evidence of free-radical production in the early stage after recanalisation in a patient undergoing primary coronary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction. After successful initial dilation, the procedure was complicated by re-occlusion of the artery at the same site, with subsequent fall in free-radical generation. After repeat angioplasty, recanalisation was again accompanied by increased free-radical production.