Should the primary percutaneous coronary intervention pathway be redesigned?

Abstract

Background/Aims The primary percutaneous coronary intervention pathway for patients experiencing an ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome excludes patients with aVR ST elevation. These patients are treated on the non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome pathway, which means that they have a coronary angiogram +/− intervention during their inpatient stay. Patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome have worse outcomes nationally. As such, research is required to demonstrate areas for improvement. This article examines the association between aVR ST segment elevation on the electrocardiogram and significant left main stem, proximal left anterior descending, or 3-vessel coronary artery stenosis in acute coronary syndrome to establish whether the primary percutaneous coronary intervention pathway should be redesigned. Methods Existing literature was searched, and relevant studies were considered and evaluated. Data were collected within local NHS Trusts on patients who had aVR ST segment elevation on the electrocardiogram. The data were analysed, and the findings were compared and synthesised with the literature. Results The study demonstrated a relationship between aVR ST segment elevation and significant disease. However, because of the numbers involved, analysis to demonstrate statistical significance was not possible, with the exception of aVR ST segment elevation and left main stem coronary artery, left anterior descending coronary artery and triple vessel disease, where p<0.05 in the population with left main stem coronary artery occlusion +/− other disease. The study demonstrated that aVR ST segment elevation should be treated as an ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome equivalent, as it is a high-risk finding. These patients should go immediately to the cardiac catheter laboratory for a primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Conclusion The need for a change in the primary percutaneous coronary intervention pathway was established.