Even in the best of non-Corona times 90 -95% of STEMI population in our country (the rich and famous included) are discriminated by denying life-saving primary PCI. Instead, they are subjected to an inferior and near-forbidden therapeutic modality called coronary thrombolysis or its slightly less inferior cousin pharmaco-invasive strategy. Now, thanks to corona, for some time it’s going to be near 100% discrimination.
Fortunately, “Corona” or “No -Corona” this discrimination has never harmed in true sense in the real world.
My feeling is, there is going to be little overall impact on ACS /CCS outcomes with current “Acute cath lab distancing” protocols. If at all, it might accrue some invisible benefits. Of course, few random lives could be saved in heroic cath lab maneuver in complex STEMI and NSTEMIs (which are not possible due to prevailing situations)
Final message
Things will settle down. Cardiologists need to introspect with the large pool of outcome data, emanating from the underused cath labs. It is a natural cross control study available free of cost and effort.
I wish, I can say loudly, many of the IRAs and the myocardium in distress will definitely welcome this sudden turn of events. Let us continue to keep a watch on our ‘distance with the cath lab’ even after Corona settles down.
Dr.S.Venkatesan MD 