Intracoronary Aminophylline for Management of Bradyarrhythmias During Thrombectomy with the AngioJet Catheter

Thrombectomy with the AngioJet rheolytic thrombectomy catheter frequently causes bradyarrhythmias. This necessitates temporary pacemaker insertion and limits the device's use. Novel approaches for treatment of bradyarrhythmias are being tested. This article focuses on the evidence supporting the role of adenosine in bradyarrhythmias during thrombectomy and presents; data from a porcine model and the first human experience supporting the use of aminophylline, a competitive inhibitor of the adenosine receptor, via an intracoronary route, for prevention of bradyarrhythmias during thrombectomy.