Moving forward with elective vascular work: a reflection on the impact of COVID-19 on a regional vascular hub

Following the initial COVID-19 surge in the UK, there was a national incentive for elective vascular surgery to be restricted to 'clean' sites to reduce perioperative cross-infection and subsequent mortality. We assessed the risk of dying from perioperatively acquired COVID-19 during the peak of the London outbreak.

Forty-three consecutive patients who had vascular (n=48) procedures in March and April 2020 at a regional hub serving five London hospitals were analysed. The patients were screened for COVID-19 in the 30-day postoperative period and the main outcome measure was mortality from COVID-19. A comparison was then made with patients who underwent minimally invasive procedures in our integrated interventional radiology department. Median follow-up was 41 days (interquartile range 8-58) overall.

Three patients (7%) in the vascular group (median age 61 years, all diabetic, two male) died from COVID-19, all of whom tested positive postoperatively. Two others became positive but recovered. In comparison, two patients (2%) in the interventional radiology group died from COVID-19; however, one was positive prior to their procedure.

Only urgent vascular cases should be performed during a COVID-19 surge. However, with growing waiting lists for elective surgery following the pandemic's second wave, further restrictions may not be a viable long-term solution. When prevalence of the disease is lower and if resources allow, resumption of care at 'hot' sites should be considered, if safety measures can be implemented. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery may also reduce risk.