Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Ligation for Ischemia-Reperfusion Research: Model Improvement via Technical Modifications and Quality Control
05:41

Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Ligation for Ischemia-Reperfusion Research: Model Improvement via Technical Modifications and Quality Control

Published on: December 16, 2022

Length of hospital stay after percutaneous coronary interventions

Edo Kaluski1, Diane Alfano, Preet Randhawa

  • 1University Hospital and University of Medicine and Dentistry, Newark, New Jersey, USA. kalusked@umdnj.edu

The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|July 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

A continuous quality improvement program enabled early discharge for over 95% of suitable patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This initiative significantly reduced length of hospital stay (LOHS) post-PCI.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

  • Post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) length of hospital stay (LOHS) significantly impacts hospital costs and quality metrics.
  • A continuous quality improvement (CQI) program was initiated in 2000 to optimize post-PCI LOHS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a CQI program in reducing post-PCI LOHS.
  • To assess the feasibility of achieving early discharge within 30 hours for suitable PCI patients.

Main Methods:

  • Implementation of an expedited discharge protocol for suitable PCI patients.
  • Daily monitoring of LOHS and patient outcomes.
  • Monthly and quarterly data compilation and reporting by an independent team.

Main Results:

  • PCI volume quadrupled over the study period.
  • The proportion of patients suitable for abbreviated LOHS increased annually from 61.8% to 78.4%.
  • Timely discharge within 30 hours improved from 77.6% in 2000 to 95% in 2006 for suitable candidates.

Conclusions:

  • A well-structured CQI program can make 30-hour post-PCI discharge achievable for over 95% of suitable patients.
  • Early discharge protocols are effective in reducing LOHS without compromising patient outcomes.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care01:28

Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care

IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview01:28

Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview

Cardiac catheterization is an invasive diagnostic technique used to identify and evaluate structural and functional diseases of the heart and major blood vessels. This technique diagnoses congenital heart disease, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, and coronary spasms and assesses ventricular function. It helps guide treatment decisions, including the need for revascularization procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and...
Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management01:26

Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management

Nursing responsibilities before cardiac catheterization include:Assess for allergies and establish baseline health status.Before cardiac catheterization, assess the patient for allergies to contrast dye. Perform a comprehensive baseline assessment, including vital signs, heart and breath sounds, and a neurovascular assessment of the extremities, noting distal pulses, skin color, and temperature. Instruct the patient to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure. Evaluate baseline laboratory...
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization01:21

Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization

Right Heart Catheterization: An OverviewRight heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure that measures right-sided cardiac and pulmonary artery pressures, calculates cardiac output, and identifies intracardiac shunts. It provides detailed hemodynamic data essential for diagnosing and managing various cardiovascular conditions, such as pulmonary hypertension.Access SitesCommon access sites for right heart catheterization include the internal jugular vein in the neck region, the...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...