Export aspiration system in patients with acute coronary syndrome and visible thrombus provides no substantial benefit

Objective: A visible thrombus remains a risk factor during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: Between October 2004 and March 2005, we treated all patients who consecutively presented with acute coronary syndrome + angiographically visible thrombus using the Export Aspiration System (group 1, n = 79). We retrospectively analyzed all consecutive patients who had been treated without a thrombectomy device (group 2, n = 79). Results: Final TIMI flow 3 or myocardial blush grade (MBG) 3 after completing PCI in group 1 and 2 was seen in 54 patients (68.4%) versus 57 patients (72.2%, P = 0.6) and in 45 patients (57.0%) versus 44 patients (55.7%, P = 0.9), respectively. Final TIMI flow 0 or MBG 0 in group 1 and 2 was observed in eight patients (10.1%) versus four patients (5.1%, P = 0.23) and in 24 patients (30.4%) versus 16 patients (20.3%, P = 0.15), respectively. Histologic evaluation: Histologic evaluation revealed mostly mixed thrombotic material (83.6%). Microscopic material was seen in 91.8% of cases. MACE: Total MACE rate during hospital stay was 11.4% in both groups. Conclusion: Using the Export Aspiration System in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome + visible thrombus provides no substantial benefit. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.