Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Safety of Same-Day Discharge After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a significant health burden in developing countries. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is commonly used to restore blood flow in atherosclerotic coronary vessels. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the safety of same-day discharge compared to overnight hospital stay following low-risk elective PCI in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Methodology: Between September 2014 and September 2015, a total of 210 patients who underwent low-risk PCI were randomly assigned to either overnight stay or same-day discharge. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse events, defined as a composite of death, myocardial infarction, repeat revascularization, rehospitalization, and access site complications (major bleeding or hematoma) within 24 hours after the procedure.

Results: No major adverse events were observed within 24 hours in either group. The only reported adverse event was a myocardial infarction resulting from stent thrombosis on the third day after PCI in the same-day discharge group. No mortality or access site complications occurred in either group.

Conclusion: Based on our cohort, same-day discharge following low-risk PCI was found to be safe and could be considered for select patients, providing a potential opportunity to reduce the financial burden associated with overnight hospital stays.