‘Masking’ emotions: doctor–patient communication in the era of COVID-19
Keshinie Samarasekara
Abstract
The loss of atrial contraction can seriously impair cardiac output when complete heart block follows myocardial infarction. We describe two cases in which temporary sequential atrioventricular pacing was lifesaving. The pacemaker used was a previously explanted internal pacemaker. By avoiding the need for an expensive dedicated temporary pacemaker this technique may be more widely applied.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Atrioventricular blockMyocardial infarctionHeart block2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)CardiologyCardiac pacingMasking (illustration)Internal medicineIntensive care medicineElectrocardiographyPathologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)ArtOutbreakDiseaseVisual artsPatient-Provider Communication in HealthcareTelemedicine and Telehealth ImplementationSocial Media in Health Education