Delayed improvement of perfusion after coronary artery revascularization is referred to as?

Delayed improvement of perfusion after coronary artery revascularization is best described as "stunned myocardium." This condition occurs when the heart muscle temporarily loses its ability to contract effectively after a period of ischemia (reduced blood flow) but has the potential for recovery of function once blood flow is restored. In cases of stunned myocardium, the damage is not permanent; the myocardial cells remain viable but are temporarily impaired, leading to a delayed functional improvement after revascularization procedures, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.

The recovery of perfusion and contractility may take days to weeks following revascularization, which significantly differentiates it from hibernating myocardium, which is a state where the heart muscle has adapted to chronic ischemia and may be functioning at a reduced capacity until revascularization occurs, but the timing of improvement can differ. Infarcted myocardium refers to tissue that has suffered irreversible damage due to prolonged ischemia, which does not recover. Necrosed myocardium similarly describes tissue death due to ischemia, indicating no chance of recovery. Thus, recognizing stunned myocardium is crucial in the management of patients after coronary intervention, as it provides insight into their potential for recovery and guides subsequent treatment options.