Optimizing primary percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction Early reperfusion of an infarct-related artery in acute STEMI improves survival. Primary PCI is the preferred reperfusion strategy in STEMI if it can be performed rapidly and by experienced operators [1,2]. In an ideal world, all patients with STEMI would be offered immediate primary PCI given its superiority to fibrinolytic therapy, but geographic and logistical challenges within existing healthcare systems have limited its universal delivery [3]. The construction of effective STEMI systems of care, which optimize timely patient access to primary PCI without prohibitive delay in reperfusion time, is a complex and interdisciplinary process that raises several c hallenges and opportunities.