The use of primary PCI for the treatment of STEMI

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) accounts for 1 in 5 male and 1 in 8 female deaths in the UK. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) is the treatment of choice for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A network of PPCI centres across the UK provides a safe and effective treatment for patients and prompt diagnosis and transfer to a PPCI cardiac catheter laboratory provider is the key to a successful outcome. Access is more commonly via the radial artery, rather than the femoral artery, since this reduces access site complications. Complications are rare (less than 1%), but serious, and require a skilled multidisciplinary team approach for optimal management. Hospitalisation is for 2–3 days in uncomplicated cases, with secondary prevention and cardiac rehabilitation being offered to all AMI patients. The introduction of PPCI for STEMI across the UK has reduced patient mortality and improved outcomes in comparison with fibrinolysis, which was the previous standard. This article provides a review of PPCI for the treatment of STEMI.