Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation study in Circulation: Protocols slash delays, improve mortality for aortic dissection

[Cardiovascular Business, July 26, 2010] In-hospital mortality rates for patients diagnosed with aortic dissection are high at 26 percent, according to a study published in this month's Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. Implementing quality improvement protocols and a multidisciplinary approach to treat this condition can result in a 43 percent reduction in mortality and improve delays in care by almost two hours, the study’s lead author Kevin M. Harris, MD, of the Minneapolis Heart Institute at Abbott Northwestern Hospital told Cardiovascular Business News.