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Risk of COVID-19 infection after cardiac electrophysiology procedures

Virginia Workman1, James V Freeman1, Edinrin R Obasare1

  • 1Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.

Heart Rhythm O2
|September 9, 2020
PubMed

Insights

During the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiac electrophysiology (EP) procedures were safely performed. Patients undergoing EP procedures showed no likely COVID-19 infections, indicating low risk with proper preventive measures.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic led to delays in non-emergent medical procedures, including cardiac electrophysiology (EP).
  • Patients expressed concerns regarding potential nosocomial (hospital-acquired) spread of coronavirus.
  • Preventive measures were implemented in laboratory areas to mitigate risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the risk of developing COVID-19 from in-hospital transmission during EP procedures.
  • To assess the effectiveness of preventive measures in reducing COVID-19 transmission in EP labs.

Main Methods:

  • Telephone surveys conducted with 124 patients who underwent emergent EP procedures during a COVID-19 surge (March 16–May 15, 2020).
  • Assessment of COVID-19 symptoms and testing status at least two weeks post-procedure.
  • Review of medical records for outcomes and alternative explanations for symptoms.

Main Results:

  • No patients developed documented or suspected COVID-19 infection following their EP procedure.
  • Seven patients reported symptoms like chest pain or fever; three tested negative for COVID-19.
  • Of the remaining symptomatic patients, two had alternative explanations, and two had transient symptoms not meeting COVID-19 criteria.

Conclusions:

  • Despite a high hospital COVID-19 patient census, no likely infections were identified in patients undergoing EP procedures.
  • Proper implementation of recommended preventive measures significantly minimizes the risk of nosocomial COVID-19 spread in EP labs.
Abstract

Keywords:
AblationCoronavirusElectrophysiologyImplantationNosocomial transmission

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