open access

Vol 62, No 3 (2010)
Original article
Submitted: 2013-02-18
Published online: 2010-12-06
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Cardiovascular diseases and electrocardiogram teletransmission aboard ships: the French TMAS experience

Baptiste Vallé, David Camelot, Vincent Bounes, Marc Parant, Florent Battefort, Jean-Louis Ducassé, Michel Pujos
IMH 2010;62(3):129-136.

open access

Vol 62, No 3 (2010)
MARITIME MEDICINE Original article
Submitted: 2013-02-18
Published online: 2010-12-06

Abstract


Background. The aim of this study was to analyse emergency calls for teleconsultation received at French TMAS relating to cardiovascular pathologies, to assess the relevance of electrocardiogram teletransmission.
Material and methods. A two-year descriptive and retrospective study from the TMAS medical files database. We selected patients whose telemedical request was related to a possible cardiovascular pathology. The French TMAS receives calls from all kinds of ship (passenger or merchant vessel), and our analysis was conducted by comparing passengers and professional seamen. On board, the caregiver performs the ECG after medical prescription and sends it by satellite to the TMAS.
Results. A total of 179 cases of cardiovascular disease were selected, including 79 passengers (PG) (44.1%) and 89 professional seafarers (PS) (49.7%). In 11 cases (6.1%) patient status was not specified. The most frequent diagnoses were chest pain (58 cases) and STEMI (23 cases), followed by NON STEMI (21 cases). An ECG was performed in 70% of cases of chest pain. ECG diagnosed 23 STEMI, and all these patients had been evacuated by a medical team. This diagnosis led to the establishment of antithrombotic therapy. The mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases was 9.5%. Ten occurred on board and 7 during the evacuation of the patient. Eleven were passengers and 6 were professional seamen.
Conclusions. Calls regarding cardiovascular disease are infrequent but require an effective response. Recording and transmitting an ECG to the TMAS is technically feasible and enables treatment to be started with specific drugs, mainly in the management of STEMI.

Abstract


Background. The aim of this study was to analyse emergency calls for teleconsultation received at French TMAS relating to cardiovascular pathologies, to assess the relevance of electrocardiogram teletransmission.
Material and methods. A two-year descriptive and retrospective study from the TMAS medical files database. We selected patients whose telemedical request was related to a possible cardiovascular pathology. The French TMAS receives calls from all kinds of ship (passenger or merchant vessel), and our analysis was conducted by comparing passengers and professional seamen. On board, the caregiver performs the ECG after medical prescription and sends it by satellite to the TMAS.
Results. A total of 179 cases of cardiovascular disease were selected, including 79 passengers (PG) (44.1%) and 89 professional seafarers (PS) (49.7%). In 11 cases (6.1%) patient status was not specified. The most frequent diagnoses were chest pain (58 cases) and STEMI (23 cases), followed by NON STEMI (21 cases). An ECG was performed in 70% of cases of chest pain. ECG diagnosed 23 STEMI, and all these patients had been evacuated by a medical team. This diagnosis led to the establishment of antithrombotic therapy. The mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases was 9.5%. Ten occurred on board and 7 during the evacuation of the patient. Eleven were passengers and 6 were professional seamen.
Conclusions. Calls regarding cardiovascular disease are infrequent but require an effective response. Recording and transmitting an ECG to the TMAS is technically feasible and enables treatment to be started with specific drugs, mainly in the management of STEMI.
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Keywords

Cardiovascular disease; ECG teletransmission; Seafarers; TMAS

About this article
Title

Cardiovascular diseases and electrocardiogram teletransmission aboard ships: the French TMAS experience

Journal

International Maritime Health

Issue

Vol 62, No 3 (2010)

Article type

Original article

Pages

129-136

Published online

2010-12-06

Page views

853

Article views/downloads

1779

Bibliographic record

IMH 2010;62(3):129-136.

Keywords

Cardiovascular disease
ECG teletransmission
Seafarers
TMAS

Authors

Baptiste Vallé
David Camelot
Vincent Bounes
Marc Parant
Florent Battefort
Jean-Louis Ducassé
Michel Pujos

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