Supervision of thrombolysis of acute myocardial infarction using telemedicine

The treatment of acute myocardial infarction (MI) constitutes a significant problem in remote geographical areas of Greece. Furthermore, thrombolysis, the treatment of choice in the early phase of acute MI, requires the supervision of an expert. We have used thrombolytic treatment, using telemedicine, in remote medical centres. The Onassis Cardiac Surgery Centre was linked to six remote Aegean islands via telemedicine systems which permitted the transmission of 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs). The thrombolytic agent anistreplase was administered to patients with acute MI. Supervision, including consultation for treatment of complications, was achieved using the telemedicine system. One hundred and fifty-two ECGs were transmitted during 24 months, of which 108 (71%) indicated specific treatment of a cardiac condition. Ten cases were diagnosed as having acute MI and eight of these were treated with anistreplase. All patients survived acute MI and complications were treated locally. The application of thrombolytic treatment in acute MI is feasible in remote areas, with the use of a telemedicine system.