A new cooperative approach for ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients to receive timely and effective percutaneous coronary reperfusion in China

BACKGROUND: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the most serious type of coronary heart disease. However, less than 30% of these patients have been treated effectively in China. Delayed treatment is a leading cause. This study aimed to evaluate a new regional cooperative model for improving the first medical contact-to-device time and the therapeutic effects on AMI patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 458 ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients was performed. Patients were divided into two groups in terms of before or after the model were implemented. First medical contact-to-device time (FMC2D), Door to device time (D2D), referral time, cardiac functions, mean cost, days of hospitalization, and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean FMC2D time, D2D time and referral time of the model group were significantly lower than the control group. The left ventricular ejection fraction of the model group increased but the left ventricular end-diastolic dimension decreased compared with the control group at 6 months after discharge. These results also showed that mean costs and days of hospitalization were reduced. The MACE rate was reduced in the model group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that the new model decreased the FMC2D time, which could improve the cardiac function and therapeutic effect of STEMI patients as well as decreased the financial burden.