Coronary artery thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction.

Coronary thrombolysis with streptokinase infusion can be achieved if performed during the first 4 hours of the onset of myocardial infarction. It has been a consistent finding that lysis of the thrombus can reestablish angiographically documented, antegrade coronary flow. Restoration of blood flow and preservation of ischemic myocardium can be achieved after coronary thrombolysis. Coronary artery bypass surgery or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty may be necessary when significant obstructive coronary artery lesions due to atherosclerotic plaques remain after successful thrombolysis.