ABSTRACT
Introduction: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery capability, despite receiving only a class IIb recommendation in the ACC/AHA practice guidelines, can be performed effectively and safely. We reviewed the first 3 years of our experience. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective single centre review of all patients receiving primary PCI for STEMI between 2003 and 2005. Demographic, procedural and outcome data were analysed. Results: There were 259 patients who underwent primary PCI. The mean age was 55.3 ± 12.3 years. Median door-to-balloon time was 97.5 minutes and 45.2% and 52.9% had anterior and inferior STEMI, respectively. The majority of patients presented with Killip class I (87.6%); however, 5.8% were in Killip class IV. Single vessel disease was found in 47.1%. Angiographic PCI success (defined as residual stenosis <50% with TIMI 3 fl ow) was achieved in 89.1%. Usage of stents, distal protection and aspiration devices were 97.2%, 27.8% and 34.1 %, respectively; 9.3% required intra-aortic balloon pump insertion. No patients required transfer for emergency coronary bypass surgery as a result of PCI complications. Post-PCI ST resolution >50% was achieved in 80.6%. The mean post-infarct left ventricular ejection fraction was 44.1%. In-hospital, 30-day, 6-month and 1-year mortality rates were 2%, 2.8%, 4.0% and 4.8%, respectively. Clinically driven target lesion revascularisation rate was 2.8% at 1 year. Conclusions: Our results are comparable to those from on-site surgical centres. This supports the feasibility and safety of primary PCI in cardiac centres without on-site cardiac surgery.
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is now well established as the best re-perfusion strategy for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A meta-analysis comparing primary PCI and fibrinolytic showed a significant reduction in mortality in patients receiving primary PCI (7% vs 9% at 4 to 6 weeks). Furthermore, there is also significantly less re-ischaemia, re-infarction and stroke.1
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