MONTREAL–Researchers presented data on the secondary endpoints from STEMI-DTU (ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Door-To-Unload) today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2026 Scientific Sessions & Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology/Association Canadienne de cardiologie d’intervention (CAIC-ACCI) Summit in Montreal.

Current treatment for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) focuses on quickly restoring blood flow to the affected coronary artery through percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), helping to reestablish oxygen delivery to the heart. Despite these advances, outcomes remain concerning—particularly among patients over 65 experiencing their first heart attack. Although significant strides have been made in the methods clinicians use to reopen blocked arteries, heart tissue death during the procedure remains a concern.

The STEMI-DTU trial is an open-label, randomized controlled trial and the first-of-its-kind to test whether the combination of mechanical left ventricular (LV) unloading plus a 30-minute delay before PCI reduces infarct size compared with immediate PCI alone in patients with anterior STEMI without cardiogenic shock. Between December 2019 and September 2024, 527 patients were randomized at 66 sites in the United States, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Canada. The mean age was 61 years, and 79% of the patients were male. This analysis evaluated the powered secondary safety endpoint of treatment-related major bleeding or vascular complications at 30 days.

Major bleeding and vascular complications in the trans-valvular micro-axial flow pump (TVmAFP) arm were predominantly BARC3 bleeding without transfusions and access-site related. Additionally, major bleeding and vascular complications showed a stronger relationship with mortality in the control group than in the TVmAFP group.

“Key insights from the STEMI-DTU trial continue to educate us about the importance of technique and bleeding complications,” said Norman Mangner, MD, cardiologist and Deputy Director at Heart Center Dresden, TU Dresden in Dresden, Germany. 

Session Details

• “STEMI Door To Unload Trial: In-Depth Analysis of the Secondary Safety Endpoint”
  • Thursday, April 23; 2:21-2:28 PM ET
  • Palais des Congrès de Montréal, 511def

Media Contact

Gavin Stern 

[email protected], 202-644-8561

About SCAI 2026 Scientific Sessions

The SCAI Scientific Sessions annual meeting convenes nearly 2,000 of the world’s premier clinicians, scientists, researchers, and innovators in the field of interventional cardiology and endovascular medicine. With 500+ faculty and hundreds of abstracts, experts in the field work together to share the latest clinical data, procedural guidance, and advanced expertise. Highlights include live cases, featured clinical research, new SCAI clinical documents, case-based learning, and keynote speakers. For more information, visit SCAI 2026 Scientific Sessions & CAIC-ACCI Summit.

About the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions, established in 1978, stands as the primary nonprofit medical society dedicated to representing invasive and interventional cardiology. SCAI's mission is to guide the global interventional cardiovascular community by fostering education, advocacy, research, and upholding standards for quality patient care. For more than 40 years, SCAI has exemplified professional excellence and innovation worldwide, cultivating a reputable community of over 5,000 members committed to advancing medical science and providing life-saving care for individuals, both adults and children, affected by cardiovascular disease.  For more information, visit www.scai.org.

About Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology/Association Canadienne de cardiologie d’intervention (CAIC-ACCI)

The Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology / Association Canadienne de cardiologie d’intervention (CAIC-ACCI) is a national body representing 307 interventional cardiologists across Canada. Dedicated to advancing excellence in cardiovascular care, CAIC-ACCI plays a central role in supporting its members through high-quality educational events, fostering professional growth, and promoting innovation in clinical practice. The organization is also deeply committed to the training and development of interventional cardiology Fellows, helping to shape the next generation of specialists. For more information, visit www.caic-acci.org.