Dataset Information

Changing patterns in Australian and New Zealand: vascular surgery during COVID-19.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Early government-mandated restrictions in Australia and New Zealand contributed to a successful public health outcome during the COVID-19 pandemic, including an unprecedented temporary cancellation of all non-urgent elective surgical procedures. This study describes the change in vascular surgery services across Australia and New Zealand before and during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Methods

De-identified data from the Australia and New Zealand Society for Vascular Surgery Australasian Vascular Audit from January 2015 to September 2020 was obtained. Vascular surgery procedure numbers from January to September of 2020 (study period) was compared to the corresponding months between 2015 and 2019 (pre-study period). The volume of procedures, both elective and emergency, were compared. Subgroup analyses included procedures categorized by operation type and location.

Results

There was a 11% decrease in total vascular procedures, 22% decrease in elective procedures, and a 14% increase in emergency procedures, comparing the study and pre-study periods. There was a large increase in all revascularization procedures for critical limb ischemia and no change in acute limb ischemia interventions, without a concomitant rise in major or minor all-cause amputation. There was a decrease in interventions for abdominal aortic aneurysm and carotid artery disease, driven by a fall in elective procedures, while volume for dialysis access remained the same. Change in procedural volume varied by state with the largest decrease noted in NSW and Victoria.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced vascular surgery procedures across Australia and New Zealand with a decrease in elective operations and an increase in emergency operations.

SUBMITTER: Y Cai T

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8646496 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:INTRODUCTION:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease that is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Health care workers are at risk of infection from aerosolisation of respiratory secretions, droplet and contact spread. There are a number of procedures that represent a high risk of aerosol generation during cardiothoracic surgery. It is important that adequate training, equipment and procedures are in place to reduce that risk. RECOMMENDATIONS:We provide a number of key recommendations, which reduce the risk of aerosol generation during cardiothoracic surgery and help protect patients and staff. These include general measures such as patient risk stratification, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, consideration to delay surgery in positive patients, and careful attention to theatre planning and preparation. There are also recommended procedural interventions during airway management, transoesophageal echocardiography, cardiopulmonary bypass, chest drain management and specific cardiothoracic surgical procedures. Controversies exist regarding the management of low risk patients undergoing procedures at high risk of aerosol generation, and recommendations for these patients will change depending on the regional prevalence, risk of community transmission and the potential for asymptomatic patients attending for these procedures. CHANGES IN MANAGEMENT AS A RESULT OF THIS STATEMENT:This statement reflects changes in management based on expert opinion, national guidelines and available evidence. Our knowledge with regard to COVID-19 continues to evolve and with this, guidance may change and develop. Our colleagues are urged to follow national guidelines and institutional recommendations regarding best practices to protect their patients and themselves. ENDORSED BY:Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons and the Anaesthetic Continuing Education Cardiac Thoracic Vascular and Perfusion Special Interest Group.