[The Essen myocardial infarction network as a model of integrated medical care in the realization of the therapy of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction corresponding to guidelines].

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is superior to thrombolysis treating acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and is recommended by guidelines as the preferential treatment, if particular preconditions are fulfilled. The "Herzinfarktverbund Essen" proves that a therapy of STEMI corresponding to guidelines can be offered standardized covering the needs of a city after building the best possible network structure. At the same time, new opportunities of the health care system by a model of integrated medical care are used.