Abstract

Backround. Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of rapid restoration of coronary blood flow in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

The aim of the study was to analyse the first six-month experience of t24-hour interventional cardiology service in Tartu University Hospital.

Material and method. The results of the treatment of 43 patients (mean age 61.7 ± 11.6 years) were analysed. Coronary angiography was performed in all of them in the cardiac catheterization laboratory in emergency outside general working hours (08:00 – 20:00). Of the patients, 26 had myocardial infarction (AMI) with ST elevations, 12 patients had AMI without ST elevation in ECG and 5 patients had high risk for unstable angina.

Coronary angioplasty with stenting (PCI) was performed in 38 patients with a success rate of 97%. Four patients died: two of them were admitted in cardiogenic shock, one patient developed left ventricular free wall rupture and one patient had irreversible ischemic brain damage after resuscitation in the pre-hospital period. Altogether five patients were admitted in cardiogenic shock and three of them were treated successfully.

Conclusion. Our first six-months experience in running 24-hour interventional cardiology service for patients with acute coronary syndrome has demonstrated the importance of rapid restoration of coronary blood flow to improve the prognosis of patients with severe myocardial damage.