Emergency Heart Catheterization in 33 Minutes

A US emergency medical team has worked with cardiologists to decrease the time required for a catheterization procedure--including preparing the catheterization lab, assembling the procedure team, preparing the patient, locating the blockage, and completing the catheterization procedure-- from 104 minutes, the US natural average, to 33 minutes.

Their process involved the use of special electrocardiogram (ECG) units capable of transferring digital information directly from paramedics to the emergency department (ED) onto the cardiologist's handheld computer. The cardiologist received a 12-lead ECG transmission, enabling him to view all 12 leads of the ECG simultaneously or enlarge a specific lead for analysis. He quickly determined from the reading that the patient needed cardiac catheterization due to blockage of a coronary artery.

This early notification allowed for assembly of the heart team prior to patient arrival, allowing direct transport to the cath lab. When paramedics had questions or problems, the ED doctor was always available by radio. The "door-to-dilation” clock started the moment the patient came through the cath lab door and ended 33 minutes later, when the cardiologist had successfully established good blood flow to the affected coronary artery.

"Under normal circumstances, it takes 30 minutes just to get the team assembled when the lab is closed or during off hours, but yesterday proved that new technology and training can really pay off,” said Paul Campbell, M.D., cardiologist on call at the NorthEast Medical Center in Concord (NC, USA), the day after he had completed the catheterization.




Related Links:
NorthEast Medical