Adult cardiac surgery and the COVID-19 pandemic: Aggressive infection mitigation strategies are necessary in the operating room and surgical recovery.

Engelman, Daniel T; Lother, Sylvain; George, Isaac; Funk, Duane J; Ailawadi, Gorav; Atluri, Pavan; Grant, Michael C; Haft, Jonathan W et al. · J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg · 2020

other · Level V

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates aggressive infection mitigation strategies to reduce the risk to patients and healthcare providers. This document is intended to provide a framework for the adult cardiac surgeon to consider in this rapidly changing environment. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative detailed protective measures are outlined. These are guidance recommendations during a pandemic surge to be used for all patients while local COVID-19 disease burden remains elevated.

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