Outpatient PTCA with same day discharge is safe and produces high patient satisfaction level

Improved technology and enhanced clinical expertise have allowed physicians to become more cost effective and provide better patient care. A prospective, randomized study was done to determine the safety of same day discharge following PTCA. Of 1911 elective PTCA patients, 262 patients (14%) were stratified as low risk and candidates for same day discharge. Of the 262 eligible patients, 90 (34%) were randomized to either an in-patient (n = 47) or outpatient (n = 43) strategy. Similar procedural and clinical outcomes were found between the two groups, with 33 of 43 outpatients (77%) discharged on the same day as the procedure. No late complications (1 and 7 days post procedure) were observed in this outpatient group. Additionally, a satisfaction survey was conducted of all patients and their family members that showed an overwhelming (p < 0.05) preference and comfort with the same day discharge.