ABSTRACT
In this section of the symposium, we will divide the discussion into two parts: the hypothesis, and the background and operation of a regional primary angioplasty program with review of the results in our location in West Texas. A brief discussion of the technical aspects in the performance of primary angioplasty will be detailed. We will review the practical aspects of the performance of primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with outlines for implementation of the angiogram, conducting angioplasty, giving adjunctive mechanical and chemical therapies, care of the patient after the intervention and the potential need for subsequent coronary bypass surgery. Guidelines regarding initiation of a regional approach to triage acute myocardial infarction patients will be discussed. The rationale for risk stratification with angiography, order and technical aspects of the performance of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, need for adjunctive medical therapy, delineation of coronary bypass classification and details of after care will be fundamentally outlined.
