Reperfúziós

Reperfúziós refers to the restoration of blood flow to an organ or tissue that has been deprived of oxygen and nutrients due to a blockage. This blockage, often a blood clot, can cause damage to the affected area if blood supply is not re-established promptly. The process of reperfusion is the subsequent reintroduction of blood to the area following the removal or dissolution of the blockage.

While reperfusion is a critical step in saving tissue in conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack) or ischemic stroke, it can paradoxically lead to further damage. This phenomenon is known as ischemia-reperfusion injury. When blood flow returns, it can bring inflammatory cells and reactive oxygen species to the already compromised tissue, exacerbating cell death and inflammation. Mechanisms contributing to this injury include oxidative stress, calcium overload, and microvascular dysfunction. Medical interventions aimed at restoring blood flow, such as angioplasty or thrombolytic therapy, are designed to minimize the duration of ischemia and, ideally, mitigate the extent of reperfusion injury. Understanding and managing reperfusion injury is a key aspect of treating many acute ischemic conditions.