• Define and describe the pathophysiology of reperfusion injury.

Reperfusion injury, also known as ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) or reoxygenation injury, refers to damage in the tissues that is  induced once blood flow comes back to tissue after a duration of ischemia or oxygen deprivation. The lack of oxygen and nutrients in the bloodstream during the ischemia phase generates a state wherein the recovery of flow results in inflammation and oxidative damage via the production of oxidative stress instead of restoration of healthy functioning.

Reperfusion injury can be caused by a number of interconnected and interdependent processes, including the formation of reactive oxygen species, changes in calcium ion processing, micro vascular and endothelial cell disorder, modified myocardial metabolic activity, and neutrophil, blood clotting, and accompany stimulation. Reperfusion damage causes shocked myocardium, reversible micro vascular injury, and, in rare cases, deadly myocyte necrosis.