Transfer Times, Characteristics and Evolution of Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Referred to Hemodynamic Centers More Than 400 km From San Carlos de Bariloche. An Analysis of the REGIBAR Registry

Background: This study analyzes transfer times and complications to Hemodynamics centers (PCI-C) of patients from the prospective REGIBAR registry, including all patients suffering a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in San Carlos de Bariloche between June 2014 and June 2015. Methods: Among 114 hospitalized AMI cases, 25 patients were transferred to PCI-C more than 400 km from San Carlos de Barilo-che. Results: Median transfer management time (TMT) for emergency referral, both by ambulance [mobile intensive care unit (MICU)] and by plane, was 480 minutes. Median travel time (TT) by MICU was 407 minutes and by air ambulance, 259 minutes. The sum of management and transfer times, that is, the total time (TOT), was 915 min by emergency MICU and 780 min by plane. The latter saved only 15% of the total travel time. Conclusions: Transfer times were longer than expected, mainly at the expense of TMT. There was a tendency to transfer those who had post-AMI angina, a higher number of ST-segment elevation leads, heart failure, but also younger patients. There were no complications during transfers.