Abstract 365: Prehospital Electrocardiogram Integrated With Computer-Assisted Interpretation Shortens Door-to-Balloon Time in Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Introduction: Prehospital electrocardiogram (ECG) has been shown to expedite reperfusion therapy and reduce mortality in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The most challenge part for prehospital ECG is timely accurate interpretation and early activation for primary coronary intervention (PCI). In this study we aimed at constructing a prehospital ECG platform integrated with computer-assisted interpretation for strategic PCI activation in an Urban EMS system, and evaluating its efficacy and impact on door-to-balloon time in patients with STEMI. Methods: A prehospital ECG platform with computer-assisted interpretation and wireless transmission was constructed in 2018 in Taipei, together with EMT training for strategic triage of possible STEMI patients to primary PCI capable hospital. The primary outcomes were door-to-balloon time and scene-to-balloon time compared with those without prehospital ECG at the same period. The secondary outcomes were prehospital management time and transportation time. Results: From Feb. 2019 to July 2020, a total of 1670 patients meeting the predesignated criteria received prehospital ECG. Of these, 217 (13.0%) was interpreted as ST elevation out-of-hospital with notification of PCI capable hospital, and 65 (30.0%) was confirmed as STEMI thereafter. The sensitivity of computer-assisted interpretation of STEMI was 96% and specificity was 91%. Compared to the STEMI patients sent by EMS system to the same PCI hospital without prehospital ECG diagnosis and early activation, those with prehospital ECG showed no difference in prehospital management time and transportation time. However, the door-to-balloon-time (58.3 + 10.8 vs. 72.7 + 11.2, P <0.01) and scene-to-balloon time (75.1 + 12.1 vs. 90.5 + 16.1, P <0.05) were both significantly shorter. Conclusion: Prehospital ECG integrated with computer-assisted interpretation enhanced notification of PCI hospital and proper activation of cardiac catheterization team for STEMI patients in an Urban EMS system. Most importantly, it significantly shortens door-to-balloon-time and scene-to-balloon time without lengthening prehospital management and transportation times.