A multidisciplinary consensus document on follow‐up strategies for patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract

The number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) is increasing worldwide. Follow-up strategies after PCI are extremely heterogeneous and can greatly affect the cost of medical care. Of note, clinical evaluations and non-invasive exams are often performed to low risk patients. In the present consensus document, practical advises are provided with respect to a tailored follow-up strategy on the basis of patients' risk profile. Three strategies follow-up have been defined and types and timing of clinical and instrumental evaluations are reported. Clinical and interventional cardiologists, cardiac rehabilitators, and general practitioners, who are in charge to manage post-PCI patients, equally contributed to the creation of the present document.

Follow‐up strategies and individual risk profile after percutaneous coronary intervention: The prospective post percutaneous coronary intervention registry

“…In the recent ESC guidelines on Chronic Coronary Syndromes (CCS) management, 5 it is clearly reported the importance of a periodic patient monitoring within 1 year after PCI, but the intensity should be modulated on the individual risk profile, based on some features of higher risk that are considered in the MCD 6 …”

“…To describe the current follow‐up strategies in a population of real world patients undergoing PCI. To assess consistency between real world follow‐up patterns and individual risk profile defined according to the Italian MCD, 6 over 12‐month follow‐up. Furthermore, to assess whether a follow‐up strategy based on individual risk profile is associated with a potential reduction of the excess number of cardiologic examinations.…”

“…The Italian MCD reported Individual risk profiles definitions 6 . Briefly, clinical and interventional cardiologists, cardiac rehabilitators, and general practitioners equally contributed to the creation of the document, which was inspired to international guidelines on myocardial revascularization 7,8 .…”

“…An Italian multidisciplinary consensus document (MCD), shared by cardiologists, rehabilitation cardiologists, and general practitioners, defined three individual risk profiles in patients undergoing PCI based on clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics 6 . The document was inspired to international guidelines on myocardial revascularization with the intent of summarizing their recommendations and providing practical suggestions 7,8…”

“…The aim of the present study is to investigate the patterns of follow‐up performed in real world patients after PCI in a Northern Italian region and to address consistency of follow‐up intensity and individual patient's risk profile. The potential reduction of cardiologic examinations with the application of a standardized strategy as defined in the MCD will be addressed, as well 6 …”