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no-reflow phenomenon
Absence of coronary flow despite successful mechanical reopening of an occluded epicardial vessel.
Full Definition
A complication of percutaneous coronary intervention where, despite successful removal of the mechanical obstruction in the epicardial coronary artery, there is inadequate myocardial perfusion at the tissue level. This phenomenon is thought to result from microvascular dysfunction, distal embolization, or reperfusion injury. No-reflow is associated with larger infarct size, worse left ventricular function, and increased mortality.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound adjective.
In Context
- "Despite successful stent deployment, the patient developed no-reflow phenomenon requiring intracoronary vasodilators." — Procedural report
- "Post-procedural cardiac MRI confirmed microvascular obstruction consistent with no-reflow phenomenon." — Follow-up imaging report
Also known as
microvascular obstruction
Contrasted with
normal reflow
Don't confuse with
slow flow
distal embolization