Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 8, 2025

Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection
06:26

Novel and Innovative Hybrid Technique for Type A Aortic Dissection

Published on: March 28, 2025

588

Dissecting the Management and Outcomes of Thoracic Aortovascular Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Iain McPherson1, Nicholas Chilvers2, Kathrin Freystaetter1

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom.

Annals of Vascular Surgery
|April 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Thoracic aortovascular interventions remained safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, with comparable outcomes to pre-pandemic levels. This included patients with higher mortality risks and more urgent cases, demonstrating resilience in cardiovascular care.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Vascular Intervention
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted elective surgeries, including critical aortovascular interventions.
  • Early intervention for aortovascular diseases is crucial and cannot be postponed.
  • Evaluating the safety and outcomes of thoracic aortovascular procedures during the pandemic's peak is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the provision and outcomes of thoracic aortovascular interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To compare patient characteristics and procedural outcomes between pandemic and pre-pandemic periods.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective data collection from three tertiary cardiovascular centers.
  • Comparison of open and endovascular thoracic aortovascular interventions between January-May 2020 (pandemic) and January-May 2019 (pre-pandemic).
  • Analysis of baseline demographics, cardiovascular risk, COVID-19 screening, and primary outcomes including mortality, ICU/hospital stay, stroke, and spinal cord injury.

Main Results:

  • Patients in 2020 presented with higher EuroSCORE II, more prior cardiac/aortic interventions, and a greater proportion of urgent cases.
  • No significant differences were observed in 30-day mortality, ICU/hospital length of stay, post-operative stroke, or spinal cord injury between the two periods.
  • Intra-operative mortality was low in both groups, with zero in 2020 and one in 2019.

Conclusions:

  • Thoracic aortovascular interventions were safely performed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Outcomes remained comparable to pre-pandemic levels despite increased patient risk and case urgency.
  • The study highlights the feasibility and safety of continuing essential cardiovascular interventions amidst a global health crisis.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm04:56

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Published on: August 1, 2025

285

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
119
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management01:29

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management

Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
2.8K
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
91
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
121
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
71
Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management01:26

Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management

Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...
104