ABSTRACT
Timely access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention • Transfer of ST elevation myocardial infarction patients • Is transfer for primary percutaneous coronary intervention a feasible strategy? • Real-life models • Key components of an integrated, co-ordinated system of transfer for ST elevation myocardial infarction patients • Future challenges • Conclusion
While primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the preferred method of reperfusion for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), timely access to PCI continues to be a challenge throughout the world. This chapter will address the issue of transfer of STEMI patients from hospitals without cardiac catheterization laboratories for primary PCI. We will discuss the data supporting transfer for primary PCI, the safety and feasibility of transferring STEMI patients, the barriers that must be overcome, and ongoing challenges for management of STEMI patients presenting to rural and community hospitals.
