ABSTRACT
Formal brainstem reflex testing remains one of the most important procedures in identification and evaluation of patients who meet clinical criteria for brainstem death. Early identification of such patients is critical since willing donors may contribute to the organ donation process. During the first two waves of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, organ transplantation from brainstem dead donors has declined significantly due to several reasons, including perceived increased risk of virus transmission to both physicians as well as patients as well as lack of awareness regarding donor workup in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subject(s)
Brain Death , COVID-19 , Brain Death/diagnosis , Humans , Pandemics , SARS-CoV-2 , Tissue DonorsABSTRACT
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has several implications relevant to neuroanesthesiologists, including neurological manifestations of the disease, impact of anesthesia provision for specific neurosurgical procedures and electroconvulsive therapy, and health care provider wellness. The Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care appointed a task force to provide timely, consensus-based expert guidance for neuroanesthesiologists during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this document is to provide a focused overview of COVID-19 disease relevant to neuroanesthesia practice. This consensus statement provides information on the neurological manifestations of COVID-19, advice for neuroanesthesia clinical practice during emergent neurosurgery, interventional radiology (excluding endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke), transnasal neurosurgery, awake craniotomy and electroconvulsive therapy, as well as information about health care provider wellness. Institutions and health care providers are encouraged to adapt these recommendations to best suit local needs, considering existing practice standards and resource availability to ensure safety of patients and providers.