[spot]

Does anyone know anything about doing single vessel interventions in free-standing labs? I have just learned that GE is spreading the word that this is now an acceptable practice as long as certain criteria are met. At one point, the ACC said this was a no no. Am open to any feedback. Thanks!

[dianah]

Hi spot. Yes, things have apparently changed: freestanding labs may do lower-risk PCIs (criteria determined by ACC, == not sure on this one). Each lab, though, must have a clear plan for what to do for the suddenly-unstable-pt-that-became-unstable-during-the-PCI: appropriate staff training, medications available, IABP (if poss), and TRANSPORT to a contract facility for further intervention. Check around on the internet - do some research. Maybe someone else has more info on this. I work in a cath lab that doesn't do PCI yet, so I'm not up on all the changes/requirements. Good luck.