Very early discharge of LOw-Risk ST elevation myocardial infarction patients after successful primary percutaneous

Refai Showkathali1, Radhapriya Yalamanchi1, Aishwarya Mahesh Kumar2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Apollo Main Hospital, Chennai, India.

Indian Heart Journal
|April 18, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Very-early discharge (VED) within 48 hours after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) for low-risk ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients is safe and effective. This approach showed high patient satisfaction and no major adverse cardiac events within six months.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires timely intervention.
  • Standard discharge protocols after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) may be prolonged for low-risk patients.
  • Optimizing hospital resource utilization is crucial in cardiovascular care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the safety and efficacy of very-early discharge (VED; ≤48 hours) post-PPCI in low-risk STEMI patients.
  • To compare outcomes of VED with standard discharge protocols.
  • To evaluate patient satisfaction and complication rates associated with VED.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study comparing VED (≤48h) versus standard discharge for low-risk STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.
  • Outcomes monitored included major adverse cardiac events (MACCE) and minor complications up to 6 months.
  • Patient satisfaction and hotline utilization were assessed.

Main Results:

  • No MACCE were observed in either group within 6 months.
  • Minor complications, such as access site pain, were managed conservatively without readmission.
  • Patient satisfaction was high (97.3%), with significant hotline usage (48%).

Conclusions:

  • Very-early discharge (≤48 hours) after PPCI for low-risk STEMI patients is feasible and safe.
  • Appropriate discharge protocols and follow-up support are essential for successful VED.
  • VED may represent an efficient strategy for managing selected STEMI patients post-intervention.

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