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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.