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Archivos de cardiología de México
versão On-line ISSN 1665-1731versão impressa ISSN 1405-9940
Resumo
EZQUERRA-OSORIO, Alejandro et al. Safety of helicopter transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Arch. Cardiol. Méx. [online]. 2024, vol.94, n.1, pp.65-70. Epub 07-Maio-2024. ISSN 1665-1731. https://doi.org/10.24875/acm.23000044.
Background:
ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) systems of care have reduced inter-hospital transfer times and facilitated timely reperfusion goals. Helicopters may be an option when land transportation is not feasible; however, the safety of air transport in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a factor to consider.
Objetives:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of helicopter transport for patients with ACS.
Methods:
Prospective, observational, and descriptive study including patients diagnosed with ACS within the STEMI network of a metropolitan city transferred by helicopter to a large cardiovascular center to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary outcome of the study was the incidence of air-travel-related complications defined as IV dislodgement, hypoxia, arrhythmia, angina, anxiety, bleeding, and hypothermia. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome.
Results:
A total of 106 patients were included in the study; the mean age was 54 years and 84.9% were male. The most frequent diagnosis was STEMI after successful fibrinolysis (51.8%), followed by STEMI with failed fibrinolysis (23.7%) and non-reperfused STEMI (9.4%). Five patients (4.7%) developed at least one complication: IV dislodgement (1.8%) and hypoxemia (1.8%) in two patients and an episode of angina during flight (0.9%). A flight altitude of > 10,000 ft was not associated with complications.
Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest that helicopter transportation is safe in patients undergoing acute coronary syndrome, despite the altitude of a metropolitan area.
Palavras-chave : Acute coronary syndrome; Air travel; Aircraft; Mexico.