Door-to-balloon

Door-to-balloon is a term in emergency medicine that refers to the time period from a patient's arrival at the hospital to the time of inflation of a balloon catheter within the patient's blocked coronary artery. This is a critical measure in cardiology, as it is a key factor in the survival rates of patients suffering from myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack.

Overview

The door-to-balloon initiative was developed to reduce the time it takes to treat heart attack patients upon their arrival at the hospital. The goal is to have a door-to-balloon time of 90 minutes or less, as studies have shown that quicker treatment times can significantly improve patient outcomes. The initiative involves a coordinated effort between emergency medical services, emergency department staff, and the cardiac catheterization lab team.

Procedure

Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient is quickly assessed and diagnosed with a electrocardiogram (ECG). If the ECG indicates a myocardial infarction, the patient is immediately taken to the cardiac catheterization lab. Here, a balloon catheter is inserted into the patient's blocked coronary artery. The balloon is then inflated to open up the blockage and restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

Importance

The door-to-balloon time is a critical factor in the treatment of heart attack patients. Studies have shown that a shorter door-to-balloon time can significantly improve patient outcomes. The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend a door-to-balloon time of 90 minutes or less for the best patient outcomes.

See also

• Cardiology
• Emergency medicine
• Myocardial infarction
• Coronary artery
• Balloon catheter