Supersaturated Oxygen Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Future Direction.

Supersaturated oxygen (SSO2) therapy is a treatment modality that is gaining further attention and consideration for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). SSO2 therapy is meant to be utilized as an adjuvant therapy with primary percutaneous coronary intervention to treat CAD. Animal models, particularly swine models, have been invaluable in demonstrating the potential benefits SSO2 therapy holds for treating CAD and myocardial infarction. Some trials have also demonstrated the benefit SSO2 therapy offers for patients with anterior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. One serious consideration while using SSO2 therapy is the potential for free radical production, which can further damage already compromised tissue. Although free radical production can stymie tissue healing, various pharmacological therapies can attenuate their effects, making SSO2 therapy with percutaneous coronary intervention a treatment modality that deserves serious consideration for further investigation and utility in clinical practice.