Door-to-balloon time in acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction--further experience.

Early coronary reperfusion has been established as the optimal treatment for acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. A treatment protocol, previously described, has been designed to reduce delay in achieving recanalization of the culprit coronary artery. Over a period of about 4 years, Door-to-Balloon time has been analyzed for patients arriving in the Emergency Department with this condition. During that time the process was enhanced by the ability of ambulance personnel to transmit 12 lead EKG's from the field. Door-to-Balloon times have been analyzed and compared to the American College of Cardiology target of 90 minutes. After just over one year of gradually improving results, 100% compliance was achieved. From that time on, this was achieved during the period under consideration in 97% of cases.