ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of many elective surgical procedures. This has led to reports of an increase in mortality for patients with non-Covid health conditions due to delayed definitive management. Patients with severe aortic stenosis have a high annual mortality if left untreated. These patients are at risk due to the reduced number of surgical aortic valve replacements and competition for intensive care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This case series suggests that the minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve implantation is safe to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic with adjustments to the patient pathway to minimize hospital stay and to reduce patient and staff exposure. This helps to reduce the delay of definitive treatment for patients with severe aortic stenosis.
Subject(s)
Aortic Valve Stenosis , COVID-19 , Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation , Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement , Aortic Valve Stenosis/diagnostic imaging , Aortic Valve Stenosis/surgery , Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation/adverse effects , Humans , Pandemics , Risk Factors , SARS-CoV-2 , Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement/adverse effects , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
We report 4 cases of post myocardial infarction complications due to the delay in presentation during COVID-19 era. We highlighted the need for auscultating the chest for early diagnosis. Through this case series, we urge to raise awareness among cardiac patients to access healthcare despite the fear of COVID-19.