A Case of Postoperative Covid-19 Infection After Cardiac Surgery: Lessons Learned

Abstract

<jats:p>While the focus of the medical community is on the management of COVID-19 and its associated complex presentations, it is critical to recognize that patients will continue to present with other medical problems that require urgent therapeutic interventions. There is growing concern that such interventions might have an impact on the natural history of COVID-19. We present a case of a patient who presented with unstable angina and multivessel coronary artery disease for which coronary artery bypass surgery was indicated and performed. Unfortunately, he succumbed to respiratory complications attributed to COVID-19. Our experience suggests concern about adverse outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery who might be infected with COVID-19. Clearly, additional investigations and experience are needed.</jats:p>

Preoperative computerized tomography screening for COVID-19 pneumonia in asymptomatic patients: experiences from two centers

“…Patients with COVID-19 disease who undergo surgery suffer a complicated postoperative course [ 5 , 6 ]. Studies have shown that up to 51.2% of these patients had pulmonary complications and among patients who had pulmonary complications after surgery 30-day mortality rate was 38% [ 7 ].…”

Surgical Revascularization With Cardiopulmonary Bypass on a Patient With Severe COVID-19

“…Cardiac surgery with CPB may cause serious complications in patients with viral interstitial pneumonia, and a few cases of COVID-19 patients with fatal outcome have been published. 3 It is acknowledged that major surgery and aorta cross-clamping exacerbate systemic inflammatory response to surgical trauma by several pathways that can contribute to the deterioration of the postoperative pulmonary function. 4 After reperfusion, the leukocytes' activation and the cytokines' release 5 could result in alveolar injuries through an increased endothelial permeability.…”

Unexpected COVID-19 Infection during Immediate Postoperative Period: A Call for Concern

“…One of the reported cases was diagnosed to have COVID-19 pneumonia after testing of the bronchopulmonary lavage. 2 Coagulation abnormality and thrombosis was noted in another patient. 3 When a postoperative patient tests positive from COVID-19, the management starts immediate shifting of the patient to the COVID-19 care unit of the hospital or to an isolation area.…”