Research task nr 3

Development and introduction of uniform algorithms for proceedings in acute coronary syndromes

The teletransmission of ECG graphs facilitates a quick appraisal of the risk of death, eliminates the need to examine the patient in the admission room and shortens the period from the arrival of an ambulance to reperfusion. It also prevents the unnecessary referral of patients who do not require urgent coronarography to specialised treatment centres. The research performed so far has proved that the teletransmission of ECG graphs reduces the period from the arrival of an ambulance to a PCI even by 50% which can result in a better patient prognosis.

Telecardiology - application examples:

  • teleECG
  • home-monitoring for patients with an advanced cardiac disease – prevention of hospitalization
  • expert systems
    • deliver medical opinions based on the most recent knowledge and standards
    • help in solving problems which require specialised knowledge
    • are much cheaper over a longer period of use
    • no delay when experts are absent
    • work faster and are more reliable than people
    • consistent, objective, accurate
  • teleimaging
  • teleconsultation of difficult patients with highly-specialised centres - transmission of images, films, sounds (coronarography, ECHO, stethoscope, etc.) for consultation and qualification for treatment
  • telemonitoring
  • teleeducation

Pre-hospital ECG in the acute coronary syndrome – e.g. ECG transmission from an Emergency Service ambulance:

  • reduces time from a call for help to the first ECG
  • shortens time of the patient's arrival at a hemodynamics room
  • reduces door-to-balloon time
  • shortens time of arrival at the hospital which results in a better prognosis for patients after an acute coronary syndrome

Potential benefits of telecardiology application:

  • facilitated access of small town inhabitants to specialised medical care
  • assistance in specialised services and consulting for centres of lower reference
  • quick diagnosis and medical assistance in emergency service
  • reduction of hospitalization and necessary patient transportation
  • reduction of general treatment and health care costs
  • extended capabilities of physician and medical staff training
  • improved patient prognosis in both short-term- and long-term observation