(News Release by Via Christi)
Effective Oct. 1, Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan will no longer offer primary coronary intervention (PCI) for ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). PCI is an invasive procedure used in certain types of heart attacks that require emergent interventional cardiology care within 90 minutes. This change was primarily due to a lack of consistent interventional cardiology coverage, requiring most patients needing STEMI treatment to be transferred to other facilities for care.
This does not alter the need for individuals experiencing chest pain or heart-related issues to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room.
Via Christi Hospital patients diagnosed with ST segment elevation will receive thrombolytic (clot-busting) intervention, if appropriate, to help dissolve blood clots and improve blood flow, which can help prevent permanent damage to the heart. Once stabilized, they then will be transferred to a nearby hospital for continued STEMI treatment.
Approximately 30 STEMI patients come to Via Christi Hospital for care each year, some of whom were already being transferred to other facilities when there were gaps in cardiology coverage.
Lack of coverage by cardiology has at times resulted in more patients needing to be transferred to other facilities for care. However, with the recent addition of Dr. Jim Hurtig, Manhattan now has four cardiologists, including Drs. Jack Daley, Gil Katz and Priyantha Ranaweera, that should happen far less frequently going forward.
“By discontinuing emergent interventional coverage, we are improving the consistency of our care for the STEMI patients – in fact, all cardiology patients – as we reduce the variability of the care provided locally,” said Dr. Doug Hinkin, who chairs the Via Christi Hospital Board of Directors.
“The decision to discontinue STEMI treatment – one that was made with discernment and input from community cardiologists, the Medical Executive Committee and hospital leadership – is one that will improve the overall quality of cardiology care,” Hinkin continued.
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