Surge-in-Place: Conversion of a Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory Into a COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit and Back Again

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• New York City, particularly the Bronx, was the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in Spring 2020.
• A resurgence of COVID-19 cases has been observed in Europe and the Midwestern United States in Fall 2020.
• Healthcare systems faced unprecedented challenges in managing the influx of critically ill patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the transformation of cardiac catheterization laboratories to manage COVID-19 patients.
• To offer a potential blueprint for other hospitals facing similar challenges.
• To maintain emergent invasive cardiac care during the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Cardiac catheterization pre/postprocedural patient care areas were converted into COVID-19 intensive care and step-down units.
• Existing space and personnel were utilized to accommodate the changes.
• Emergent invasive care for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction was sustained.

Main Results:

• Successful transformation of cardiac catheterization labs to manage COVID-19 patients.
• Continued provision of essential emergent cardiac care.
• Development of a adaptable model for other healthcare institutions.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac catheterization laboratories can be effectively repurposed to support COVID-19 patient care.
• Flexible resource allocation is crucial for maintaining critical services during public health crises.
• The described model offers a viable strategy for hospitals to navigate pandemic-related surges.