Narrative Review of New Insight into the Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cardiovascular Care

Medicina (Kaunas). 2022 Oct 29;58(11):1554. doi: 10.3390/medicina58111554.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this paper was to perform a literature review on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cardiothoracic and vascular surgery care and departments. Materials and Methods: To conduct this evaluation, an electronic search of many databases was conducted, and the resulting papers were chosen and evaluated. Results: Firstly, we have addressed the impact of COVID-19 infection on the cardiovascular system from the pathophysiological and treatment points of view. Afterwards, we analyzed every cardiovascular disease that seemed to appear after a COVID-19 infection, emphasizing the treatment. In addition, we have analyzed the impact of the pandemic on the cardiothoracic and vascular departments in different countries and the transitions that appeared. Finally, we discussed the implications of the cardiothoracic and vascular specialists' and residents' work and studies on the pandemic. Conclusions: The global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 compelled the vascular profession to review the treatment of certain vascular illnesses and find solutions to address the vascular consequences of COVID-19 infection. The collaboration between vascular surgeons, public health specialists, and epidemiologists must continue to investigate the impact of the pandemic and the response to the public health issue.

Keywords: COVID-19; cardiothoracic surgery; pandemics; residency; surgeries; vascular surgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Surgeons*

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.