Right heart catheterization for pulmonary hypertension during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonary Medicine
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• Right heart catheterization (RHC) is vital for diagnosing and managing pulmonary hypertension (PH).
• The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread deferral of elective medical procedures, including RHC.
• Balancing the diagnostic benefits of RHC against SARS-CoV-2 exposure risks is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide evidence-based clinical best practices for safely conducting RHC in PH patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To guide healthcare providers in risk-benefit assessment for RHC during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• This is a review article synthesizing current literature and expert recommendations.
• Focuses on infection control, patient selection, and procedural modifications for RHC.

Main Results:

• Key considerations include pre-procedure screening, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and optimized catheterization laboratory protocols.
• Strategies to minimize patient and healthcare worker exposure to SARS-CoV-2 are detailed.

Conclusions:

• Safe performance of RHC in PH patients during the COVID-19 pandemic is achievable with stringent adherence to updated protocols.
• Maintaining access to essential diagnostic procedures like RHC is crucial for optimal PH management.