Abstract
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is creating significant challenges to the Canadian health system, including the practice of interventional radiology (IR). Interventional radiology will continue to play an important role in patient care, during this crisis. This document serves to guide interventional and general radiologists in safely performing IR procedures on patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, using the best evidence, guidelines and expert recommendations available. These strategies include reviewing procedural indications, development of tactics to minimize cross contamination prior to the intervention, appropriate usage of personal protection equipment according to the type of procedure (along with defining aerosol-generating procedures in IR), along with developing the appropriate work environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. By adopting the policies described, hospitals will protect the interventional radiologists, medical radiation technologists, nurses, ancillary staff, along with patients who benefit from their care.
Highlights
This document aims to guide interventional radiologists and radiologists performing interventional radiology (IR) procedures in decision-making for management of patients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the IR division during the pandemic
The Canadian Association for Interventional Radiology and the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) recognize the importance of protecting health care workers in interventional radiology, including physicians, nurses, and medical radiation technologists, along with other essential staff
Interventional radiologists have an important role to play in the care of patients with COVID-19 infection
Summary
This document aims to guide interventional radiologists and radiologists performing interventional radiology (IR) procedures in decision-making for management of patients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the IR division during the pandemic. Interim information regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and management in health facilities has been issued by the World Health Organization, the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Health Canada.[1,2,3] Links to these and other related society guidelines are found at the Society of Interventional Radiology. Outpatient consultations and follow-up appointments should be converted to telemedicine consultations, if possible. These recommendations are based on the current situation and may change as new information becomes available. For additional COVID-19 information and resources visit— https://car.ca/covid-19/
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