Isolation protocol for a COVID-2019 patient requiring emergent surgical intervention: case presentation

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Michael S Firstenberg1, Matthew Libby1, Michael Ochs1

  • 11Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, The Medical Center of Aurora, 1444 S. Potomac Street, Suite 200, Aurora, CO 80012 USA.

Patient Safety in Surgery
|April 25, 2020
PubMed

Insights

This study details an algorithm for performing emergency cardiac surgery on a COVID-19 patient, emphasizing strict isolation protocols to protect the surgical team from the highly contagious virus.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Infectious Disease Management
  • Patient Safety Protocols

Background:

  • Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious and morbid.
  • Emergent surgical procedures are sometimes necessary for patients with COVID-19.
  • Healthcare workers face high exposure risks during these procedures.

Observation:

  • A case of a 77-year-old patient requiring emergency cardiac surgery for acute aortic syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The patient had a presumed, and later confirmed, COVID-19 infection.
  • This case highlighted the challenges of managing critically-ill patients requiring surgery under strict isolation.

Findings:

  • The study outlines a specific algorithm for managing emergent surgical procedures in COVID-19 patients.
  • Detailed steps were implemented to maintain strict isolation precautions throughout the surgical process.
  • The focus was on minimizing exposure risk to the entire surgical team.

Implications:

  • The presented algorithm can serve as a template for other healthcare facilities.
  • Implementing this protocol can help maintain high standards of infection prevention in surgical settings.
  • This approach ensures patient safety and protects healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-2019Emergency surgeryInfection controlSARS-CoV-2

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