Hospital outcomes in patients presenting with congestive heart failure complicating acute myocardial infarction: a report from the Second National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI-2).

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine treatment and outcomes in patients admitted to the hospital with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated by congestive heart failure (CHF).

Background: Although cardiogenic shock complicating AMI has been studied extensively, the hospital course of patients presenting with CHF is less well established.

Methods: The Second National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI-2) was analyzed to determine hospital outcomes for patients with ST-elevation AMI admitted with CHF (Killip classes II or III).

Patient outcomes after fibrinolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction at hospitals with and without coronary revascularization capability.

Objectives: This study evaluated clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) treated with fibrinolytic therapy in hospitals with and without coronary revascularization capability.

Background: Patients with MI may have better outcomes when admitted to certain hospitals with coronary revascularization capability. Development of regional heart care centers for the treatment of MI has been proposed.

Competitive bidding for interventional cardiology supplies: lessons learned during round 2.

Objective: To assess the magnitude of savings and develop concepts for "best strategies" in reducing costs in the purchasing of high-technology, high-cost materials used in coronary interventions and electrophysiologic treatments.

Study Design: Observational experience in competitive bidding for defibrillators, pacemakers, coronary stents, and coronary balloon catheters at a large, midwestern, publicly owned, academic cardiovascular center.

Methods: Iterative negotiation following a broad request for proposal sent to a diverse group of vending organizations in high-technology areas of cardiology.

A randomized controlled trial of information-giving to patients referred for coronary angiography: effects on outcomes of care.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of providing an educational videotape, 'Treatment Choices for Ischaemic Heart Disease: a Shared Decision-Making Program Videotape,' to patients referred for coronary angiography compared with standard patient-physician decision making (usual care). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: University Hospital and Veterans Affairs Hospital.

Primary Angioplasty Is the Optimal Approach to Early Reperfusion in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Primary angioplasty offers several advantages to thrombolysis for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. First, most patients are candidates for primary angioplasty. In contrast, only 20--30% meet eligibility criteria for thrombolysis.