ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is variably performed before atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation to evaluate left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus. We describe our experience with transitioning to the pre-ablation cardiac computed tomography (CT) approach for the assessment of LAA thrombus during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We studied consecutive patients undergoing AF ablation at our center. The study cohort was divided into pre- versus post-COVID groups. The pre-COVID cohort included ablations performed during the 1 year before the COVID-19 pandemic; pre-ablation TEE was used routinely to evaluate LAA thrombus in high-risk patients. Post-COVID cohort included ablations performed during the 1 year after the COVID-19 pandemic; pre-ablation CT was performed in all patients, with TEE performed only in patients with LAA thrombus by CT imaging. The demographics, clinical history, imaging, and ablation characteristics, and peri-procedural cerebrovascular events (CVEs) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 637 patients (pre-COVID n = 424, post-COVID n = 213) were studied. The mean age was 65.6 ± 10.1 years in the total cohort, and the majority were men. There was a significant increase in pre-ablation CT imaging from pre- to post-COVID cohort (74.8% vs. 93.9%, p ≤ .01), with a significant reduction in TEEs (34.6% vs. 3.7%, p ≤ .01). One patient in the post-COVID cohort developed CVE following negative pre-ablation CT. However, the incidence of peri-procedural CVE between both cohorts remained statistically unchanged (0% vs. 0.4%, p = .33). CONCLUSION: Implementation of pre-ablation CT-only imaging strategy with selective use of TEE for LAA thrombus evaluation is not associated with increased CVE risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subject(s)
Atrial Appendage , Atrial Fibrillation , COVID-19 , Catheter Ablation , Thrombosis , Aged , Atrial Appendage/diagnostic imaging , Atrial Appendage/surgery , Atrial Fibrillation/diagnostic imaging , Atrial Fibrillation/epidemiology , Atrial Fibrillation/surgery , Catheter Ablation/adverse effects , Echocardiography, Transesophageal , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , Middle Aged , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Thrombosis/diagnostic imaging , Thrombosis/epidemiology , TomographyABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that is wreaking havoc on the health and economy of much of human civilization. Electrophysiologists have been impacted personally and professionally by this global catastrophe. In this joint article from representatives of the Heart Rhythm Society, the American College of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association, we identify the potential risks of exposure to patients, allied healthcare staff, industry representatives, and hospital administrators. We also describe the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac arrhythmias and methods of triage based on acuity and patient comorbidities. We provide guidance for managing invasive and noninvasive electrophysiology procedures, clinic visits, and cardiac device interrogations. In addition, we discuss resource conservation and the role of telemedicine in remote patient care along with management strategies for affected patients.
Subject(s)
Arrhythmias, Cardiac/etiology , Betacoronavirus , Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Electrocardiography , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Practice Guidelines as Topic , American Heart Association , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/therapy , COVID-19 , Cardiology , Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation , Coronavirus Infections/complications , Coronavirus Infections/diagnosis , Coronavirus Infections/physiopathology , Humans , Pneumonia, Viral/complications , Pneumonia, Viral/diagnosis , Pneumonia, Viral/physiopathology , SARS-CoV-2 , Societies, Medical , Telemedicine , Triage , United StatesABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic that is wreaking havoc on the health and economy of much of human civilization. Electrophysiologists have been impacted personally and professionally by this global catastrophe. In this joint article from representatives of the Heart Rhythm Society, the American College of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association, we identify the potential risks of exposure to patients, allied healthcare staff, industry representatives, and hospital administrators. We also describe the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac arrhythmias and methods of triage based on acuity and patient comorbidities. We provide guidance for managing invasive and noninvasive electrophysiology procedures, clinic visits, and cardiac device interrogations. In addition, we discuss resource conservation and the role of telemedicine in remote patient care along with management strategies for affected patients.