Clinical cardiology
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Clinical cardiology · Mar 2006
Comparative StudyPrimary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute myocardial infarction: direct transportation to catheterization laboratory by emergency teams reduces door-to-balloon time.
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the recommended revascularization strategy for patients presenting with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In most hospitals, transfer of patients with STEMI is organized from the emergency site via emergency room (medical and cardiologic evaluation) and then to the catheterization laboratory. ⋯ The preclinical emergency diagnosis of STEMI was reliable. Direct transport of patients with STEMI to the cardiac catheterization laboratory and early preclinical alert by the interventional PCI team significantly reduces door-to-balloon-times compared with established standard processes-of-care for patients considered for primary PCI.