Performing elective cardiac invasive procedures during the COVID-19 outbreak: a position statement from the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI).

Performing elective cardiac invasive procedures during the COVID-19 outbreak: a position statement from the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI). EuroIntervention. 2021 Jan 08;: Authors: Chieffo A, Tarantini G, Naber CK, Barbato E, Roffi M, Stefanini GG, Buchanan GL, Buszman P, Moreno R, Zawiślak B, Cayla G, Danenberg H, Da Silveira JAB, Nef H, James SK, Mauri Ferre J, Voskuil M, Witt N, Windecker S, Baumbach A, Dudek D Abstract The rearrangement of healthcare services required to face the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a drastic reduction in elective cardiac invasive procedures. We are already facing a "second wave" of infections and we might be dealing during the next months with a "third wave" and subsequently new waves. Therefore, during the different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic we have to face the problems of how to perform elective cardiac invasive procedures in non-COVID patients and which patients/procedures should be prioritised. In this context, the interplay between the pandemic stage, the availability of healthcare resources and the priority of specific cardiac disorders is crucial. Clear pathways for "hot" or presumed "hot" patients and "cold" patients are mandatory in each hospital. Depending on the local testing capacity and intensity of transmission in the area, healthcare facilities may test patients for SARS-CoV-2 infection before the interventional proce...
Source: EuroIntervention - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Tags: EuroIntervention Source Type: research