This thesis aimed to present new molecular and genetic findings in the pathology and diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Furthermore, a special focus was granted on the current invasive... Show moreThis thesis aimed to present new molecular and genetic findings in the pathology and diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Furthermore, a special focus was granted on the current invasive treatment of myocardial infarction. Here, new aspects were investigated in relation to a) the role of IVUS in preventing late stent thrombosis, and b) differences in coronary plaque composition, as assessed with IVUS __ Virtual Histology, after drug-eluting versus bare-metal stent implantation. Finally, the influence of the stent type as well as the patient__s genetic profile were investigated in relation to the occurrence of post-stenting complications. Show less