Primary percutaneous coronary intervention delay for patients living in a peripheral area in Denmark.

INTRODUCTION In patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), timely primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is superior to thrombolysis and it is the preferred treatment in Denmark. The prognosis depends on the time delay until coronary blood flow is re-established. The purpose of this registry study was to evaluate the PPCI treatment delay of the triage algorithm in a peripheral area in the Region of Central Jutland in the context of European guidelines. MATERIAL AND METHODS From 1 September 2009 through 31 August 2010, we included all PPCI-treated patients from the catchment area of Regional Hospital Herning (RHH) who were diagnosed with probable STEMI based on the first electrocardiography wirelessly transmitted to the physician on call at RHH after symptom onset. RESULTS A total of 101 patients were included, 77% were males and their median age was 63.4 years. The median distance to the PCI centre was 120.3 (range 63.5-174.2) km. The 2008 European guidelines on transportation delay were fulfilled for 35 (35%) patients and the 2012 European guidelines for seven (7%) patients. Overall, 46% of the patients had a delay from first medical contact to PCI < 120 min., 9% a delay < 90 min. and none a delay < 60 min. CONCLUSION Our registry study showed that 35% and 7% of PPCI patients from a peripherally located area in Denmark met the 2008 and 2012 European guidelines for an acceptable transport delay to a PCI centre, respectively. Our current PPCI triage strategy therefore needs reconsideration. FUNDING not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.