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The Impact of COVID-19 on Elective Cardiovascular Procedures in Taiwan - A Single-Center Experience
Chia-Te Liao1,2, Zhih-Cherng Chen1, Wei-Ting Chang1,3,4
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted cardiovascular procedure volumes in Taiwan, with echocardiography and cardiac catheterization decreasing. Healthcare providers should prioritize urgent cardiovascular interventions during the ongoing pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global healthcare systems and individual health.
- Taiwan experienced a less severe COVID-19 pandemic compared to many nations, yet healthcare workflows were affected.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiovascular examination and procedure volumes in Taiwan.
- To provide recommendations for managing cardiovascular procedures during the pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of cardiovascular procedure data before and after January 21st, 2020 (first confirmed COVID-19 case in Taiwan).
- Comparison of patient volumes for echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, and percutaneous coronary interventions.
Main Results:
- A decline in the number of patients undergoing echocardiography and cardiac catheterization was observed post-pandemic onset.
- The volume of percutaneous coronary interventions remained consistent with pre-pandemic levels.
- Healthcare providers in Taiwan were advised to carefully assess the urgency of cardiovascular procedures, deferring non-emergent cases.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated careful triage of cardiovascular procedures in Taiwan.
- Maintaining preparedness for future pandemic challenges is crucial for sustained medical service delivery.
Abstract:
COVID-19 has reached a pandemic level and affected both individual's health and global healthcare systems. Although Taiwan has encountered a less severe COVID-19 pandemic than many other countries, it has impacted the workflow of all cardiovascular examinations and procedures. Compared to before January 21st, 2020 (the date of the first confirmed COVID-19 in Taiwan), the number of patients who have received echocardiography and cardiac catheterization has since fallen. However, the number of percutaneous coronary interventions being performed has remained at the usual level. Based on our experience, we suggest that healthcare providers in Taiwan should carefully evaluate the urgency of cardiovascular procedures and deferred non-emergent procedures. Given that the pandemic has not yet plateaued, we should remain prepared for future challenges to maintain our medical service.
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