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VIDEO: Risk calculator provides new approach to reduce bleeding events
ORLANDO, Fla. — In this video exclusive, Jerome E. Granato, MD, details how use of a risk calculator to assess bleeding risk may improve patient outcomes after PCI.
Granato presented results of a study that analyzed use of the National Cardiovascular Data Registry bleeding risk calculator and applied it to evidence-based bleeding avoidance strategies, including bivalirudin use. The program was implemented at 11 regional health systems and the researchers evaluated 8,700 PCI procedures performed by more than 200 operators.
“When we stratified patients with this bleeding risk calculator, we were surprised at some of the results,” Granato, vice president and medical director of the National Cardiovascular Service Line, Catholic Health Initiatives, Lexington, Kentucky, said.
Over 2 years, bivalirudin use was reduced by almost 40% and directing bivalirudin use to the most appropriate high-risk patients also resulted in a decrease in bleeding complications, he said.
“Put in the context of patient care, we eliminated close to 150 bleeds per year, a considerable benefit to the patients and significant financial savings to the organization,” he said.
The study also demonstrated a near-doubling in the use of transradial access for PCI procedures.
“In total, this was a project that was designed to give better value — better quality at lower cost,” he said.
