Door-to-Balloon Delays with PCI in Acute Myocardial Infarction.
In the treatment of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the length of time from symptom onset to revascularization is a crucial determinant of clinical outcomes such as mortality and reinfarction. Direct, or primary, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) produces higher rates of infarct-related artery patency and improved clinical outcomes compared to thrombolytic therapy. However, primary PTCA is associated with an increased time interval from hospital arrival to revascularization, the so-called door-to-balloon time. Numerous data support the theory that increased door-to-balloon time reduces the benefits of primary PTCA in the treatment of AMI. Therefore, institutions that offer PTCA must strive to decrease door-to-balloon delays through the use of established treatment protocols and frequent assessment of performance.
Guerra
Daniel R.
DR
TIMI Data Coordinating Center and Angiographic Core Laboratory, 350 Longwood Avenue, First Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA. mgibson@perfuse.org
Gibson
C. Michael
CM