Complications after elective percutaneous coronary interventions: A comparison between public and private hospitals

Complications after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, although institutional discrepancies can occur when public and private hospitals coexist within the healthcare system. The aim of this study was to compare the in-hospital complication rates and mortality in addition to long-term survival following elective PCI in two reference public and private cardiology hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

From January 1st 2013 to December 31st 2014, a total of 440 procedures were identified in both hospitals (public: 328 vs. private: 112) and retrospectively analyzed by chart review.

There were no significant differences between the two hospitals regarding the total number of procedures with at least one complication (public: 23.8 vs. private: 17.9%, p=0.2) or in-hospital mortality rates (public: 0.6% vs. private: 0%, p=0.5). Post-procedural renal insufficiency was more frequent in the private hospital, whereas coronary-related complications were more prevalent in the public hospital. After a mean follow up of 30.3 months (SD±9.2), the survival rate was also similar.

Clinical complications after elective PCI are common both in public and private hospitals. Meticulous pre-procedural clinical assessment and patient selection as well as adherence to guideline-based practices could minimize the risk of PCI-related adverse events.