Improved Management of Patients With Recent-Onset Stable Chest Pain

In Germany, more than 700,000 patients with chest pain undergo cardiac catheterisation each year. The most common reason is suspected coronary artery disease-the leading cause of death worldwide. Proportionally, more cardiac catheterizations are performed in Germany than in any other country. Coronary computed tomography (coronary CT) is available as an alternative diagnostic method to cardiac catheterization. The advantages of coronary CT include a lower complication rate, greater accuracy in detecting deposits in the coronary arteries, reduced burden for patients, and less procedural effort.

The aim of the partners in the IMPRO project is to optimize the implementation of coronary CT in routine clinical care following the resolution of the Federal Joint Committee on January 18, 2024, while at the same time avoiding overuse. For this purpose, a new model of care will be tested in 16 different regions across 12 federal states in Germany. This model is intended to improve primary and cross-sectoral care for patients with suspected coronary artery disease. The primary goal of the nationwide study is to determine whether the new model of care helps reduce cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in patients with suspected coronary artery disease. The researchers will also analyze how patients respond to this type of treatment and whether it leads to cost savings. The project is funded for 39 months with a total of approximately 9.3 million euros.

If successful, the new model of care could be implemented nationwide to improve the treatment of patients with suspected coronary artery disease and to avoid unnecessary costs for the healthcare system.

• Prospective Primary Safety Endpoint: Procedure-related Complications [Срок оценки: 3 months and 12 months]
• Indication quality [Срок оценки: From enrollment to 12 months (with follow-up data collection at baseline, 3 months, 12 months)]
• Functional test rates [Срок оценки: From enrollment to 12 months and 5 years (with follow-up data collection at 3 months, 12 months and 5 years)]
• Revascularization rates [Срок оценки: From enrollment to 12 months and 5 years (with follow-up data collection at 3 months, 12 months and 5 years)]
• Coronary CT angiography (CTA) rates [Срок оценки: From enrollment to 12 months and 5 years (with follow-up data collection at 3 months, 12 months and 5 years)]
• Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) rates [Срок оценки: From enrollment to 12 months and 5 years (with follow-up data collection at 3 months, 12 months and 5 years)]
• Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) results [Срок оценки: From enrolment to 12 months and 5 years (with follow-up data collection at 3 months, 12 months and 5 years)]
• Coronary CT angiography (CTA) results [Срок оценки: From enrolment to 12 months and 5 years (with follow-up data collection at 3 months, 12 months and 5 years)]
• Hospitalization due to chest pain [Срок оценки: From enrollment to 12 months and 5 years (with follow-up data collection at 3 months, 12 months and 5 years)]
• Emergency department visits due to chest pain [Срок оценки: From enrollment to 12 months and 5 years (with follow-up data collection at 3 months, 12 months and 5 years)]
• Assessability of coronary CTs [Срок оценки: From enrollment to 12 months (with follow-up data collection at 3 months, 12 months)]
• Radiation exposure [Срок оценки: From enrollment to 12 months and 5 years (with follow-up data collection at 3 months, 12 months and 5 years)]