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International Study on Impact of COVID 19 on Cardiac and Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
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  • Mohammed Idhrees,
  • Mohamad Bashir,
  • Mostafa Mousavizadeh,
  • Saeid Hosseini
Mohammed Idhrees
SRM Institutes for Medical Science Vadapalani

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Mohamad Bashir
Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital
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Mostafa Mousavizadeh
Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center
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Saeid Hosseini
Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center
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Abstract

Background: The COVID19 pandemic gripped every nation’s healthcare system and provisions on all levels. In cardiac and aortic surgery, as it is with most specialities, elective surgeries were halted. Aims of the study: We captured reflections, contingencies, and current practices across of high-volume centres in cardiac and aortic surgery globally. We also aimed this study to assess decision on prioritization of the surgical patients, the need for personal protection equipment and choice of preoperative investigations in current dynamic and fluid climate. Methods: A validated web-based questionnaire was constructed and was circulated to the international surgeons amongst high volume cardiac and aortic surgery centres. Their intrinsic feedback on decision making, impact of the lockdown and perspectives for the future ahead us all were noted. Mixed method approach was constructed. Qualitative data analysis was introduced to signify the impact globally. Results: Overall, 23 centers from 18 countries participated in this international study. 91.7% of the respondents stopped operating on elective patients during the pandemic. Majority of the surgeons agreed that acute aortic dissection (87.1%) should be operated as emergency procedure and stable triple vessel disease (87.1%) to be considered as elective procedure. Three-fifth (60%) of the respondents relied on CT chest as a preoperative screening modality. Conclusion: In the present climate where there is paucity of evidence, this will give an interim consensus for the cardiac surgeons. With the increase in cumulative number of COVID19 patients, careful utilization of the resources regarding hospital beds and manpower is of paramount importance.
07 Jul 2020Submission Checks Completed
07 Jul 2020Assigned to Editor
07 Jul 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
21 Jul 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
21 Jul 2020Editorial Decision: Accept