COVID-19: Crisis management in congenital heart surgery

Abstract

As our specialty faces unprecedented challenges to the delivery of care to congenital heart disease patients secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic, we offer guidance for crisis management.

COVID-19 as a confounding factor in a child submitted to staged surgical palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome: One of the first reports of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with congenital heart disease

“…The preoperative testing of children undergoing surgery for CHD has been proposed and has become standard in many services. 6 , 7 Still, it might not be advisable or practical in all settings. In Brazil, for instance, where there is a queue of thousands of tests awaiting analysis by a limited number of laboratories, results are being released only slowly.…”

COVID-19 and congenital heart disease: an insight of pathophysiology and associated risks

“…If a patient deteriorates and goes into cardiogenic shock, mechanical ventilation and vasoactive medication have proven to be useful in maintaining oxygenation and organ perfusion. 33,34 Cardiology in the Young 3 , although they comprise about 22% of the population. 35 Similarly, the Chinese CDC report showed that out of 44,672 confirmed cases, 87% occurred in patients aged 30-79 years, whereas patients 19 years or younger only accounted for 2% of the cases.…”

“…Virtual risk stratification has also been implemented to ensure the allocation of resources and safety of staff members. 6,34 Overall, there have been many positive changes in the care of patients with CHD. The use of telemedicine has proven to be beneficial in alleviating concerns and educating patients on their condition.…”

COVID-19 FAQs in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery

“…Many of the questions now center on critical care and infectious disease (ID) related issues – screening techniques, preventative measures, treatment options, etc. Crisis management strategies for congenital heart disease have recently been published 1 . The purpose of this review is to succinctly summarize frequently asked questions related to COVID-19 as it relates to children with congenital heart disease. 1.…”