Most heart specialists support angioplasty at hospitals without backup heart surgery if the hospitals meet the necessary criteria, according to a report by U.S. News & World Report.
Three-hundred fifty cardiologists responded to a survey by U.S. News & World Report and theheart.org regarding angioplasty. Two-thirds said the procedure can be performed safely and effectively without on-site surgery. The majority of those who opposed the practice reported more than one reason for their opposition: Sixty-six percent cited safety concerns, and more than 60 percent said physicians would be encouraged to send patients for procedures to maintain a high volume.
Only one-third of survey respondents said the goal of offering non-emergency angioplasty is to expand access to care, while nearly half said the bottom line is the primary concern.
These results follow the presentation of a study at a recent American Heart Association meeting that found no difference in outcomes for angioplasty at hospitals with surgical backup compared to those without. In addition, the American College of Cardiologists and other professional organizations released new guidelines suggesting angioplasty can be safely performed at hospitals without surgery.
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Three-hundred fifty cardiologists responded to a survey by U.S. News & World Report and theheart.org regarding angioplasty. Two-thirds said the procedure can be performed safely and effectively without on-site surgery. The majority of those who opposed the practice reported more than one reason for their opposition: Sixty-six percent cited safety concerns, and more than 60 percent said physicians would be encouraged to send patients for procedures to maintain a high volume.
Only one-third of survey respondents said the goal of offering non-emergency angioplasty is to expand access to care, while nearly half said the bottom line is the primary concern.
These results follow the presentation of a study at a recent American Heart Association meeting that found no difference in outcomes for angioplasty at hospitals with surgical backup compared to those without. In addition, the American College of Cardiologists and other professional organizations released new guidelines suggesting angioplasty can be safely performed at hospitals without surgery.
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