Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Improvement of a Closed Chest Porcine Myocardial Infarction Model by Standardization of Tissue and Blood Sampling Procedures
Published on: March 12, 2018
STEMI process slashes PCI time
Insights
Project UPSTART reduced treatment times for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients needing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This program improved efficiency in emergency departments, leading to faster patient care.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
Background:
- ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires rapid intervention.
- Delays in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) negatively impact patient outcomes.
- Standardizing emergency department (ED) protocols can improve treatment times.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Project UPSTART in reducing PCI times for STEMI patients.
- To assess the impact of a structured ED program on STEMI treatment efficiency.
- To provide a scalable model for improving STEMI care in diverse healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of STEMI-specific procedural packets for ED teams.
- Utilization of data sheets for case documentation and quality improvement review.
- Development of customized instructions for adaptability in facilities without onsite PCI.
Main Results:
- Average PCI time for STEMI patients decreased from 83 minutes to 56 minutes.
- Significant reduction in door-to-balloon time achieved through Project UPSTART.
- Successful implementation demonstrated at the University of Virginia Medical Center.
Conclusions:
- Project UPSTART effectively reduces treatment delays for STEMI patients requiring PCI.
- Standardized protocols and data-driven quality improvement are key to enhancing emergency cardiac care.
- The program's adaptable design allows for broad application in various ED settings.
Abstract:
The ED at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville has slashed the average time it takes for a chest patient with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to receive percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 83 minutes to 56 minutes using a program they developed titled Project UPSTART. Here are some of the key aspects of the program: * STEMI packets that outline procedural steps for every member of the ED team; * data sheets that can be used to document the case and be reviewed at a later date for quality improvement; * customized instructions so the program can be used by EDs in facilities where PCI is not performed.
