The emergency treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-one of the leading causes of death throughout the world - with immediate cardiac cathterization and percutaneous coronary intervention, or primary angioplasty, is now considered the optimal approach to this deadly disorder. In "Primary Angioplasty in Acute Myocardial Infarction, Second Edition", leading investigators and experienced clinicians collect and summarize the world's literature and augment this with practical wisdom concerning this critically important form of care. Technical, professional, and administrative aspects are reviewed in clear detail. Among the topics covered are the technique and technology of direct angioplasty, patient selection, regulatory issues, performance metrics, clinical trials and outcomes, adjunctive pharmacology, economics, and implications for the health care system. The practicing cardiologist will appreciate the many useful how-to tips and pointers; the cardiology fellow will value the a-to-z approach that addresses all critical issues; and the administrator will learn the details of creating, maintaining, evaluating, and justifying a successful program. Comprehensive and highly practical "Primary Angioplasty in Acute Myocardial Infarction, Second Edition" summarizes for today's cardiologists, internists, family practitioners, and emergency room physicians all the accumulated knowledge and experience needed to ensure that primary angioplasty becomes the standard of care for acute myocardial infarctions.