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Mobile Cardiac Catheterization for Critical Cardiovascular Disease: A Feasibility and Applicability Study
Markus Resch1,2, Johannes Breyer3, Lars Maier1
1Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
Insights
Mobile cardiac catheterization labs offer a feasible and safe alternative for interventional cardiology, comparable to stationary units. These mobile units ensure continuity of care during hospital disruptions or in underserved areas.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention are crucial for managing coronary artery disease.
- Mobile cardiac catheterization laboratories offer a solution for maintaining services during hospital disruptions or in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and quality of care of a mobile cardiac catheterization laboratory compared to a stationary facility.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1454 patients treated between 2016 and 2019.
- Comparison of door-to-balloon time, radiation dose, fluoroscopy time, contrast usage, and major adverse cardiac events between mobile and stationary units.
Main Results:
- Door-to-balloon times were comparable (29 vs. 33 minutes).
- Mobile units showed significantly higher fluoroscopy time and radiation dose (p < 0.001).
- No significant differences in major adverse cardiac events were observed between the two settings.
Conclusions:
- Mobile cardiac catheterization laboratories are a viable and safe option for interventional cardiology services.
- They are suitable for routine and emergency procedures, renovations, crises, and underserved regions.
- Further optimization of equipment and workflows can enhance mobile unit performance.
Introduction:
Coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention are essential for managing coronary artery disease, particularly in acute settings such as ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Mobile cardiac catheterization laboratories provide a potential solution for maintaining interventional cardiology services during hospital renovations, disasters, or in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to evaluate feasibility, safety, and quality of care of a mobile cardiac catheterization laboratory compared to a stationary facility.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis was conducted, comparing 1,454 patients treated between 2016 and 2019 at either an interim mobile cardiac catheterization laboratory or a stationary facility. Key endpoints included door-to-balloon time, radiation dose, fluoroscopy time, contrast medium usage, and major adverse cardiac events.
Results:
The door-to-balloon time was comparable between mobile and stationary facility (29 vs. 33 min, p = 0.143). Although fluoroscopy time and radiation dose were significantly higher in the mobile unit (p < 0.001), no differences in major adverse cardiac events were observed. The mobile unit demonstrated feasibility and safety for both routine and emergency interventions.
Conclusion:
Mobile cardiac catheterization laboratories are a viable alternative for providing interventional cardiology services in various scenarios, including renovations, crises, and underserved regions. Optimizing equipment and workflows could further enhance their performance.
Related Concept Videos
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Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
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Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management

