Cardiac Surgery During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Perioperative Considerations and Triage Recommendations

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Public Health

Background:

• The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), poses a significant global health crisis.
• High transmissibility, severe illness, and limited treatments strain healthcare systems worldwide.
• Cardiac surgery patients are particularly vulnerable due to their underlying conditions and the invasive nature of procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide perioperative recommendations for cardiac surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To assist clinicians in triaging and planning cardiac procedures to minimize risks.
• To ensure appropriate resource allocation for critical care.

Main Methods:

• Development of a preoperative COVID-19 testing algorithm.
• Recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers.
• Establishment of a classification system for prioritizing cardiac surgery procedures.

Main Results:

• The report outlines a structured approach to managing cardiac surgery patients amidst the pandemic.
• It details specific testing, PPE, and prioritization strategies.
• Implementation aims to reduce patient and healthcare worker exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusions:

• Effective perioperative planning is crucial for maintaining cardiac surgical services during the COVID-19 outbreak.
• The proposed guidelines help mitigate risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the surgical setting.
• Adherence to recommendations supports both patient safety and healthcare system resilience.