A successful emergency angioplasty program for patients with acute coronary syndrome in a community hospital setting: Cape Cod Hospital’s 3-year experience

 Dr. Richard Zelman With direct percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, a balloon catheter is threaded up to the site of a blockage in an artery. When the balloon is inflated, it pushes arterial plaque against the wall of the artery to restore vessel patency. During the angioplasty procedure, a stent, that is, a small, hollow metallic tube, can be inserted to prevent reocclusion. The main benefits of primary angioplasty are the immediate restoration of blood flow without the life-threatening hemorrhagic complications of the pharmacologic agents, an efficacy rate of greater than 90%, and a reocclusion rate of less than 10%. Schomig et al recently concluded, “In patients with acute myocardial infarction, coronary stenting plus abciximab leads to a greater degree of myocardial salvage and a better clinical outcome than does fibrinolysis with a tissue plasminogen activator.” Angioplasty requires a skilled catheterization team, appropriate facilities, and resources with which to perform the emergency procedure. Until recently, only larger referral centers were performing angioplasty. We report here on a successful angioplasty program in a community hospital.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Pioneering Work of Dr. Richard Zelman in Cardiology

  Richard Zelman MD , a renowned figure in cardiology, has long held that there's a profound link between the heart and mind, an interconnection that extends beyond the conventional understanding within his field. The heart, undoubtedly the pivotal organ in our physiology, is responsible for the circulation of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, a process fundamental to our overall health. However, growing evidence underscored by Dr. Zelman's research and clinical experiences suggests that the relationship between our cognitive functions and cardiac health is far more intricate than previously thought. This article intends to delve deeper into this complex interplay, exploring the profound effects it has on our holistic well-being.
Read more

Dr. Richard Zelman

  Dr. Richard Zelman Dr. Zelman received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his M.D from the University of Texas Health Science Center. He completed an Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine, followed by a clinical and research fellowship in Cardiovascular Medicine and a fellowship in Interventional Cardiology, all at Brigham and Women’s Hospital-Harvard Medical School. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine, and Interventional Cardiology. In addition to practicing Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology at Cape Cod and Falmouth Hospitals, Dr. Zelman has cared for patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Tufts Medical Center, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, and Boston University Hospital. Since joining the medical staff at Cape Cod Hospital in 1990, Dr. Zelman has been recognized as instrumental in developing the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, the Interventional Cardiology Service, the Cardiol...
Read more

Dr. Richard Zelman | Impactful Patient Stories: Navigating Challenges with Compassion

The impact of a cardiologist's work is best exemplified through the stories of patients who have triumphed over adversity. These narratives reveal the resilience of the human spirit and the instrumental role that cardiologists play in fostering recovery. Patients, once confined by the limitations of their heart condition, often find themselves empowered to reclaim their lives with newfound vigor. The comprehensive care provided by cardiologists extends beyond medical interventions. They educate patients about the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle, including dietary choices, exercise regimens, and stress management. Through this multifaceted approach, cardiologists empower individuals to actively participate in their own well-being, transforming what could be a debilitating condition into an opportunity for personal growth. In the intricate landscape of heart health, patients, and cardiologists like Richard Zelman MD , establish an exceptional relationship that expands bey...
Read more