How to Handle a COVID-19 Patient in the Angiographic Suite

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Radiology
• Infectious Disease Control

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges to healthcare systems globally.
• High incidence and prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 necessitated rapid adaptation of clinical workflows.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the coordination of staff and patient management in interventional radiology (IR) during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• To outline strategies for infection control within an IR suite.

Main Methods:

• Selection of appropriate interventional radiology procedures.
• Preparation of staff and the interventional suite.
• Optimization of facility ventilation systems.
• Streamlining intra- and post-procedural workflows.

Main Results:

• Implementation of specific control measures for COVID-19.
• Potential increase in equipment costs and procedural times.
• Increased technical difficulties during procedures.

Conclusions:

• The described control measures are crucial for managing interventional radiology services during a pandemic.
• These precautions are vital for controlling the spread of COVID-19 within healthcare facilities.
• Despite increased costs and complexity, these measures protect patients and staff.