no-reflow phenomenon
The absence of coronary blood flow despite successful reopening of an occluded vessel during PCI.
Full Definition
No-reflow phenomenon describes the failure to achieve normal coronary blood flow following successful mechanical reopening of an occluded coronary artery during percutaneous coronary intervention. This complication occurs despite the absence of visible mechanical obstruction on angiography and represents microvascular dysfunction caused by embolization of thrombotic or atherosclerotic material, inflammation, or reperfusion injury. No-reflow is associated with increased mortality, larger infarct size, and worse long-term outcomes. Treatment strategies include pharmacological interventions such as adenosine, verapamil, or nitroprusside, and mechanical approaches including aspiration thrombectomy or embolic protection devices.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate no-reflow throughout. Distinguish from slow-flow which implies reduced but present flow.
In Context
- "Despite successful stent deployment, the patient developed no-reflow phenomenon requiring intracoronary vasodilator therapy." — Interventional complication report
- "Aspiration thrombectomy was performed to prevent no-reflow phenomenon in this large thrombus burden case." — Primary PCI procedural note