[Percutaneous coronary intervention and immediate re-transfer to the referring hospital for patients with acute coronary syndrome. A single-center experience].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Current guidelines recommend early transfer of patients with acute coronary syndromes from primary care centers to hospitals with cath lab facilities. Few data exist about safety of re-transfer to primary care centers immediately after successful percutaneous coronary interventions.

METHODS:

We analyzed data regarding 102 consecutive patients (73 male, 29 female, mean age 69 +/- 10.9 years) transferred to the Bolzano hospital from centers without cath lab facilities for urgent percutaneous coronary intervention in acute coronary syndromes and planned immediate re-transfer after the procedure. Data about complications during re-transfer were obtained using a prepared data sheet completed by physicians and/or paramedics involved in the transport.

RESULTS:

Eighty-eight (87.1%) patients were re-transferred immediately after the cath lab procedure. Arterial hemostasis was achieved with arterial closure devices before leaving the cath lab. During re-transfer, 61 (69%) patients were accompanied by physicians and 27 (31%) patients by paramedics. No ischemic, arrhythmic or hemorrhagic complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

In our experience immediate re-transfer to the referring hospital after successful urgent percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome is feasible and safe. If the patient is clinically stable after the procedure, re-transfer may not require the presence of a physician.

• Authors: Fauzia Vendrametto, Rainer Oberhollenzer, Walter Pitscheider
• Journal: Giornale italiano di cardiologia (2006) (G Ital Cardiol (Rome)) Vol. 7 Issue 4 Pg. 281-6 (Apr 2006) ISSN: 1827-6806 [Print] Italy
• Vernacular Title: Angioplastica coronarica e immediato ritrasferimento all'ospedale di provenienza nei pazienti con sindrome coronarica acuta. La nostra esperienza.
• PMID: 16700411 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Aged
• Angina, Unstable (therapy)
• Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary
• Coronary Angiography
• Emergencies
• Feasibility Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Italy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Myocardial Infarction (therapy)
• Patient Transfer
• Practice Guidelines as Topic
• Referral and Consultation
• Safety
• Syndrome
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome