Safety and efficacy of intracoronary thrombolytic agents during primary percutaneous coronary intervention for STEMI.

Published studies are limited by small sample size and heterogeneity due to variation in indication, inclusion criteria, thrombolytic agent, dose, delivery mechanisms, antiplatelet and anticoagulant regimen, timing in regard to reperfusion, PCI techniques, and endpoints. Despite these limitations, data are consistent that IC administration of thrombolytic agents at low doses is associated with low rates of bleeding and vascular complications. While there is currently no compelling data demonstrating a benefit to the routine use of IC thrombolytic therapy in patients with STEMI, there is suggestive data that IC thrombolysis may have benefit in selected patients.