Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 15, 2025

An Educational Video Demonstration of How to Prone a Critically Ill Intubated Patient
Published on: November 30, 2022
COVID 19: A Stressor for Both the Patient and the Anesthesiologist
Terrence F Feldheim1, Margot Denham2, Wanda M Popescu3
1Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic increased cardiac events. Anesthesiologists should anticipate more perioperative cardiac complications, including acute cardiac decompensation during difficult intubations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Anesthesiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased cardiac morbidity and mortality.
- Anesthesiologists must prepare for a rise in perioperative cardiac complications.
Observation:
- This E-Challenge presents a case of acute cardiac decompensation.
- The decompensation was triggered by an unanticipated difficult intubation.
Findings:
- The patient experienced acute cardiac decompensation.
- An unexpected echocardiographic finding was noted during the event.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing cardiac risks in the perioperative period during the pandemic.
- Anesthesiologists need to be vigilant for cardiac complications, especially during challenging airway management.
- Echocardiography may reveal crucial information in cases of perioperative cardiac decompensation.
Abstract:
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has created not only widespread morbidity and mortality, but a myriad of social, financial, and psychological stressors. In this setting, the medical community has seen a substantial increase in the incidences of cardiac morbidity and mortality, and, therefore, anesthesiologists should expect a higher incidence in the perioperative period. In this E-Challenge, the authors present a patient in whom an acute cardiac decompensation occurred secondary to an unanticipated difficult intubation, with an unexpected echocardiographic finding.
Related Concept Videos
Psychological Responses to Stress
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
Types of Stressors
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer

