Mortality, PCI, Risk-Adjusted Rate, 2008

31 hospitals in Washington State perform percutaneous coronary interventions, or PCI. PCI is a method of restoring blood flow to the heart muscle by reopening clogged arteries. Mortality rate is the percentage of patients who died before being discharged from the hospital following PCI for both elective and emergent procedures. All surgical procedures involve some risk. Additionally, all patients have their own particular risk factors such as previous medical and family history, current state of overall health, how long they have had their coronary disease, how long it has taken between onset of symptoms to treatment in an acute situation, and many others. Mortality rates for a hospital can be impacted by many things. For example, if a hospital does a low volume of this particular type of surgery, even one unavoidable death can make a significant impact on their mortality rate.

Results for this measure refer to the percentage of patients in Washington State that died during or following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The statewide average has gone from 1.4% in 2004, to 1.8% in 2007 and 2008. Although the average rate in Washington is up slightly, it is important to note that this is a very small difference and can be attributed to a number of factors such as changes in patient mix, lower total volume of procedures, or more complex cases. Overall, hospitals in Washington State are doing a very good job in keeping their mortality rates low. Individual hospital results for 2008 range from a low of 0.9% to a high of 5.3%.

Ask your surgeon about mortality rates for percutaneous coronary interventions at your hospital and specific risks associated with your particular case. Encourage your surgeon to ask about their COAP report regarding mortality rates so they know you care!

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