Patient Arrival — The Clock Starts
Every minute from door counts toward final infarct size.
- Time 0: Target metric (clock reference point)
- EMS / walk-in: Typical arrival mode (placeholder)
- Triage: First action (placeholder)
- ACC/AHA: Guideline focus (placeholder)
Why door time matters
Placeholder: the timer begins at first medical contact.
ECG Diagnosis and Cath Lab Activation
ECG confirms STEMI and triggers the reperfusion team.
- <10 min: ECG goal (placeholder)
- Single call: Activation mode (placeholder)
- ~6 staff: Team size (placeholder)
- STEMI vs NSTEMI: Decision point (placeholder)
Rapid diagnosis pathway
Placeholder: fast ECG reading shortens total delay.
Cath Lab Transfer
Patient transport and prep add unavoidable minutes.
- <30 min: Transfer goal (placeholder)
- Sterile field: Prep tasks (placeholder)
- Radial/femoral: Access site (placeholder)
- Off-hours: Bottleneck risk (placeholder)
Logistics of transfer
Placeholder: streamlined handoff reduces delay.
Balloon Inflation — Reperfusion Achieved
Balloon inflation restores flow and halts damage spread.
- 90 min: Guideline goal (door-to-balloon target)
- <60 min: Ideal time (placeholder)
- PCI balloon/stent: Device (placeholder)
- TIMI 3 flow: Success marker (placeholder)
Reperfusion mechanics
Placeholder: restored flow limits further necrosis.
Time-to-Treatment Outcome Impact
Longer delay means larger infarct and lower survival.
- Inverse: Salvage vs time (placeholder)
- Rises: Mortality vs time (placeholder)
- Declines: LV function (placeholder)
- <90 min: Best outcome (placeholder)
Outcome summary
Placeholder: minutes saved translate into myocardium saved.
Placeholder: every 30-minute delay meaningfully raises mortality.