The evolution of standalone Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Ethiopian experience

Abstract

Objective: This is a narrative review compiled with the main objective of documenting the challenges and achievements in the course of the introduction and popularization of percutaneous coronary intervention without onsite surgical backup in Ethiopia to frame a role model effect to other institutions in the country and in the region. It was recognized that more adverse events and poorer outcomes of percutaneous coronary intervention performed in hospitals without on-site cardiac surgery have been limitations. Marked advances in technology, technique, adjunctive pharmacotherapy, and operator experience have resulted in higher rates of procedural success and lower rates of complications.
Data source: This narrative review has utilized published resources in an unstructured pattern as source of information. The reference studies in the planning and initiation of percutaneous coronary intervention in Ethiopia and our subsequent publication stating the main achievements are included. However, the main contribution comes from the experience of the author and a few other individuals who had pivotal role right from the inception of the procedure leading to few unavoidable personal statements.
Conclusion: Coronary revascularization starting with momentous standalone PCI is now notably popular procedure in Ethiopia while its sustainability largely relies on the implementation of feasible insurance system, adoption of pharmacoinvasive strategy and, ultimately, establishment of centers of excellence in selected places in the country.