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Figure 5 Change in microvascular obstruction (MO) between the intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) (n = 9) and control (n = 8) groups from 1 to 24 h after reperfusion: (A) In the control group, MO increases over time, while in the IABC, MO decreases over 24 h (p < 0.001). Grey bars = control; black bars = IABC. (B) At 24 h of study period, an increase of 60 ± 22% on the control group was observed (as percent left ventricular mass), while, with intra-aortic balloon augmentation, a decrease of 10 ± 10% was noted. (C) Change in MO, evaluated as areas with myocardial blood flow (MBF) <50% of the remote given as percent of infarcted region. In the control group, MO increases over time, while, in the IABC, no important change is observed (p < 0.05 vs. control at 24 h). NR = no-reflow.