Beginning in 2003, collaboration between cardiologists and the emergency department at Saint Louis University Hospital has focused on significantly improving care for patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.

Beginning in 2003, collaboration between cardiologists and the emergency department at Saint Louis University Hospital has focused on significantly improving care for patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction. This past year, we earned American Heart Association Gold distinction indicating exceptional compliance with guideline-based care for these patients (see appendix 3). The ability to achieve compliance with the 90-minute door-to-balloon time marker is one of the most crucial and difficult to achieve. This involves the rapid assessment and diagnosis of patients within the emergency department and then immediate transfer to the catheterization lab on a 24/7 basis so that a balloon can be expanded in the occluded artery within 90 minutes of a patient’s arrival at the facility. As shown in the graph, there has been a significant decrease in door-to-balloon times every year during this program (now achieving high levels of compliance).

• American Heart Association "Triple Performance Achievement" Distinction recognizing excellence in providing proven life-saving therapies to patients in a consistent and timely manner.
• Focus on immediate assessment and treatment for patients with heart attacks utilizing rapid delivery of balloon angioplasty to restore blood flow to the heart and to minimize damage.