Helicopter transport of the patient receiving thrombolytic therapy

Since thrombolytic therapy with t-PA is now available for use in all hospitals, the need for air transport of patients with acute MI for enrollment in clinical trials has decreased. However, air transport will continue to be used for the thrombolytic therapy candidate requiring further intervention. This patient population will most likely include those with large areas of myocardium at risk, those who failed to reperfuse, or those with symptoms of reocclusion. Transfer to tertiary care centers for coronary angiography, PTCA, and aortocoronary artery bypass will no doubt contribute further to the need to transport the patient with acute MI receiving thrombolytic therapy. The New England Life Flight experience and that of others have documented the safety and feasibility of air transport of the thrombolytic therapy recipient.