Aerosol Mediated Transmission of SARS-Cov-2 Or COVID-19 In the Cardiac
Surgical Operating Room
Abstract
While there is significant awareness regarding droplet and contact
transmission, aerosols are generally underestimated as a potential mode
of transmission of SARS-Cov-2 infection. With the gradual resumption of
cardiac surgical activities, the cardiac surgical operating room will
become an important potential source of infection to the cardiac surgeon
and other healthcare workers participating in the operation. There is
also diminished awareness about the different aerosol generating
procedures (AGP) in the cardiac surgical operating room. In this
mini-review we intend to highlight the various aerosol generating
procedures that are common in cardiac surgery. This will help increase
the awareness among surgeons to AGP. A practical approach to taking
preventive measures have also been discussed.