The Role of Coronary Catheterization Laboratory in Post-Resuscitation Care of Patients Without ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND: Out of hospital cardiac arrest management of patients with non-ST myocardial infarction per current American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council guidelines leave the decision in regard to early angiography up to the physician operators. Guidelines are clear on the positive impact of early intervention on survival and improvement on left ventricular function in patients presenting with cardiac arrest and ST elevation myocardial infarction on electrocardiogram. This review aims to analyze the data that current guidelines are based upon in regards to out of hospital cardiac arrest with electrocardiogram findings of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction as well as review of other clinical trials that support early angiography and reperfusion strategies. CONCLUSION: Analysis of current literature shows that early coronary evaluation in patients with no finding of ST elevation on ECG can help improve survival in patients suffering out of hospital cardiac arrest.