ABSTRACT
Purpose: (1) Recognize the benefit of leveraging interventional radiologists as surge support during periods of mass critical illness, rapid assembly of a dedicated vascular access team. (2) Multifunctionality of catheter usage during hospital shortage. Materials and Methods: During peak times of the novel COVID-19 virus, Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York was, among others, a highly impacted institution in one of the most case-prevalent counties in the state. The IR and surgery residents of Kings County Hospital developed a joint 24/7 emergency line team during the month of April at the height of COVID-19 infections. Being an urban hospital with limited ancillary staff, an over-capacity census, and newly formed ICU’s in outpatient facilities, the development of a line team was a necessary evolution to play a pivotal role in aiding our colleagues to treat the critically ill. IR and surgery residents were paired and placed on 12hr shifts, holding a dedicated cell phone. The sole responsibility was to place lines that were necessary on the floor including midlines, central lines, and hemodialysis catheters (HD). Results: Several supplies had run short during the peak of COVID-19 including most variations of central venous access catheters. Midlines were the most consulted procedure due to difficult access and long-term stay. During times of resource depletion, the application of various catheters was expanded with PICC lines cut short to be used for varying needs of central access and micropuncture sheaths sutured in place to be used as midlines. Tunneled HD catheters were used in place of temporary HD catheters. A total of 154 lines were placed at the bedside in critically ill COVID positive patients by the line team. The lines that were placed included 68 midlines (44%), 31 central lines (20%), and 55 HD catheters (35%). Conclusions: IR has the potential to play a vital role as an emergency team during times of uncertainty, such as a pandemic. Over the course of a month, 154 lines were placed which accelerated patient care and treatment. Our experience supports hospitals in the epicenter of a pandemic should consider a dedicated line team to provide support and aid in cross-departmental patient care delivery.