Interventional radiology and COVID-19: evidence-based measures to limit transmission
Poornima Elizabeth Chandy, Muhammad Umer Nasir, Sivasubramanian Srinivasan, Darren Klass, Savvas Nicolaou, Suresh Babu
Abstract
T he ongoing COVID-19 outbreak caused by a novel Corona virus known as SARS-CoV-2, has become a global pandemic with more than 270 000 cases reported worldwide at the time of this article, with number of deaths more than 11 000. With the pathogen being a novel virus, many aspects of the organism and manifestations related to acute and long-term consequences are still unknown. The virus characteristics, mutagenic forms, origin and routes of animal to human transmission, mode of human spread, extent of asymptomatic carriers, variables affecting mortality, effective treatment options and feasibility of developing vaccine are all parameters which need further study and definition. As other departments, it is imperative on Interventional Radiology (IR) to provide its services safely and effectively while reducing the risk of transmission to the staff. The virus has been shown to have phylogenetic similarity as well as severity of manifestations comparable to severe respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by SARS-CoV-1. With much more yet to be known about the virus, an adequate protocol needs to be derived from the available fragmentary data and lessons learnt from prior outbreaks like SARS. We aim to put forth guidelines that the service needs to adopt to maintain a balance between optimal patient care without compromising on precautionary measures for IR staff.