The Heart Lifeline Alliance℠ was developed in 2008 by the cardiologists at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in partnership with rural hospitals, medical helicopter and ambulance services. In 2010, Missouri Baptist began a partnership with local emergency services to notify the Cath Lab of a patient's arrival so the lab can be prepared.
As a Level I STEMI Center, the Heart LifeLine Alliance program helps rapidly evaluate and treat patients who are having an acute heart attack, known as ST-elevated myocardial infarctions (STEMI), and facilitate transfer to the cardiac catheter labs at Missouri Baptist when appropriate. Research suggests that opening up a heart-attack-causing blockage with an angioplasty balloon and a stent yields better results than clot-busting drugs.
Utilizing the HLLA, emergency services and transferring hospitals are able to notify and activate the cardiac catheter lab of a patient’s impending arrival. The lab is then prepared and ready so patient can bypass the emergency room and go straight to catheterization, saving minutes and, potentially, heart muscle.
“Decreasing the time it takes to recognize and immediately treat a heart attack or cardiac arrest still remains central to survival,” HLLA medical director Dr. Stuart Higano said.
Continuous Improvement
The pursuit of excellence means we are continually working to improve care. As part of the commitment, Missouri Baptist hosts an annual educational symposium bringing together nearly 300 healthcare professionals including, emergency department physician, cardiologist, hospitalist, EMS, nurses and administrators for educational seminars and speakers.
Combining the best of the Heart LifeLine Alliance™ Symposium and the Cardiology Symposium, we're introducing the Heart Center Symposium: STEMI and More. With sessions designed for the full patient care continuum from the EMTs to the nurses to the cardiologist and hospital administrator, this conference provides a unique opportunity for mulifunctional collaboration and learning.
Learn more about the Heart Center Symposium