Instant dissolution of intracoronary thrombus by abciximab

Formation of intracoronary thrombus during percutaneous coronary intervention can lead to acute vessel closure and myocardial infarction if prompt action is not taken. Thrombus removal using mechanical thrombectomy is the common treatment approach. We report a rare case of thrombus formation immediately after guidewire advancement, causing acute myocardial ischemia. Intracoronary bolus of abciximab was given and this resulted in prompt dissolution of the thrombus. The procedure proceeded uneventfully and there was no myocardial damage. This is consistent with a recent report suggesting that intracoronary abciximab may be more beneficial than standard intravenous administration for patients undergoing emergency coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome.