The precise mechanisms involved in ischaemia/reperfusion injury is not fully understood but a number of factors are thought to contribute to cardiac dysfunction14, 15. These include : 1. reperfusion arrhythmias; 2. microvascular obstruction or no-reflow phenomenon; 3. myocardial stunning and 4. cardiomyocyte apoptosis. It is estimated that ischaemia/reperfusion injury occurs in > 30% of patients and is associated with reduced myocardial salvage and poor prognosis16-18. Ischaemia/reperfusion injury may account for up to 50% of the final infarct size9.