Guidance for Cardiac Electrophysiology During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic from the Heart Rhythm Society COVID-19 Task Force; Electrophysiology Section of the American College of Cardiology; and the Electrocardiography and Arrhythmias Committee of the Council on Clinical Cardiology, American Heart Association.

Dhanunjaya R Lakkireddy
Mina K Chung
Rakesh Gopinathannair
Kristen K Patton
Tyler J Gluckman, Center for Cardiovascular Analytics, Research and Data Science (CARDS), Providence Heart Institute, Providence St. Joseph Health, Portland, OR
Mohit Turagam
Jim Cheung
Parin Patel
Juan Sotomonte
Rachel Lampert
Janet K Han
Bharath Rajagopalan
Lee Eckhardt
Jose Joglar
Kristin Sandau
Brian Olshansky
Elaine Wan
Peter A Noseworthy
Miguel Leal
Elizabeth Kaufman
Alejandra Gutierrez
Joseph M Marine
Paul J Wang
Andrea M Russo

Abstract

Covid-19 is a global pandemic that is wreaking havoc with the health and economy of much of human civilization. Electrophysiologists have been impacted personally and professionally by this global catastrophe. In this joint document from representatives of the HRS, ACC and AHA we identify the potential risks of exposure to patients, allied health care staff, industry representatives and hospital administrators. We describe the impact of COVID-19 on cardiac arrhythmias and methods of triage based on acuity and patient comorbidities. We provide guidance for managing invasive and non-invasive electrophysiology procedures, clinic visits and cardiac device interrogations. We discuss resource conservation and the role of tele-medicine in remote patient care along with management strategies for affected patients.