Neuroanesthesia Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations From Society for Neuroscience in Anesthesiology and Critical Care (SNACC)

The Psychological Burden of Surgery During a Pandemic: Evaluating Preoperative Anxiety in the COVID-19 Era

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced unprecedented challenges to global healthcare systems, including heightened psychological stress among patients. This study evaluates the preoperative anxiety levels among patients scheduled for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This cross-sectional observational study was conducted between April 2020 and March 2022. Adult patients aged 18-80 years, scheduled for elective or emergency surgery, were included. Exclusion criteria were mental illness, impaired communication, and hemodynamic instability. A pre-validated questionnaire addressing demographics, prior surgery exposure, surgery-related anxiety, and COVID-19-related fears was administered. Anxiety levels were scored on a 1-5 Likert scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, USA). Results A total of 112 patients participated, with a mean age of 42.3±14.2 years. The majority were female (61 patients, 54.5%), married (96 patients, 85.7%), and resided in urban areas (85 patients, 75.9%). Most patients had no prior surgical history (87 patients, 77.7%). Surgery-related fears were prevalent, with 110 patients (98.2%) fearing surgical complications and 111 patients (99.1%) fearing postoperative pain. COVID-19-related fears were also significant, with 108 patients (96.4%) fearing infection during hospital stay and 100 patients (89.3%) fearing infecting family members. Mild fear was the most common anxiety level (70 patients, 62.95%), followed by moderate fear (25 patients, 22.5%). Discussion The study highlights the dual stressors of surgery and the pandemic, contributing to heightened preoperative anxiety. Findings indicate that significant anxiety levels were present, driven by fears related to surgery, anesthesia, and COVID-19. This aligns with other studies that report high preoperative anxiety levels exacerbated by the pandemic. The comprehensive assessment of anxiety factors underscores the need for tailored interventions to mitigate these anxieties. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased preoperative anxiety among surgical patients. Addressing both surgical and pandemic-related anxieties is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should implement psychological support programs to alleviate these anxieties. Understanding the multifaceted nature of preoperative anxiety during the pandemic can enhance patient care.

Impact of COVID-19 on electroconvulsive therapy practice across Canadian provinces during the first wave of the pandemic

BACKGROUND

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedural treatment that is potentially life-saving for some patients with severe psychiatric illness. At the start of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, ECT practice was remarkably disrupted, putting vulnerable individuals at increased risk of symptom exacerbation and death by suicide. This study aimed to capture the self-reported experiences of psychiatrists based at healthcare facilities across Canadian provinces who were delivering ECT treatments during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (i.e., from mid-March 2020 to mid-May 2020).

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team of experts developed a survey focusing on five domains: ECT unit operations, decision-making, hospital resources, ECT procedure, and mitigating patient impact. Responses were collected from psychiatrists providing ECT at 67 ECT centres in Canada, grouped by four geographical regions (Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and Western Canada).

RESULTS

Clinical operations of ECT programs were disrupted across all four regions - however, centres in Atlantic Canada were able to best preserve outpatient and maintenance care, while centres in Western Canada were able to best preserve inpatient and acute care. Similarly, Atlantic and Western Canada demonstrated the best decision-making practices of involving the ECT team and clinical ethicists in the development of pandemic-related guidelines. Across all four regions, ECT practice was affected by the redeployment of professionals, the shortage of personal protective equipment, and the need to enforce social distancing. Attempts to introduce modifications to the ECT delivery room and minimize bag-valve-mask ventilation were consistently reported. All four regions developed a new patient prioritization framework, and Western Canada, notably, aimed to provide ECT to only the most severe cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that ECT provision was disproportionately affected across different parts of Canada. Possible factors that could explain these interregional differences include population, distribution of urban vs. rural areas, pre-pandemic barriers in access to ECT, number of cases, ability to control the spread of infection, and the general reduction in physicians' activities across different areas of health care. Studying these factors in the future will inform how medical centres should respond to public health emergencies and pandemic-related circumstances in the context of procedural treatments.

Strategies from A Multi-National Sample of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Services: Managing Anesthesia for ECT during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is important in the management of severe, treatment-resistant, and life-threatening psychiatric illness. Anesthesia supports the clinical efficacy and tolerability of ECT. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted ECT services, including anesthesia. This study documents strategies for managing ECT anesthesia during the pandemic. Data were collected between March and November 2021, using a mixed-methods, cross-sectional, electronic survey. Clinical directors in ECT services, their delegates, and anesthetists worldwide participated. One hundred and twelve participants provided quantitative responses to the survey. Of these, 23.4% were anesthetists, and the remainder were ECT clinical directors. Most participants were from Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Europe. Most were located in a public hospital, in a metropolitan region, and in a ‘medium/high-risk’ COVID-19 hotspot. Half of the participants reported their services made changes to ECT anesthetic technique during the pandemic. Services introduced strategies associated with anesthetic induction, ventilation, use of laryngeal mask airways, staffing, medications, plastic barriers to separate staff from patients, and the location of extubation and recovery. This is the first multi-national, mixed-methods study to investigate ECT anesthesia practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results are vital to inform practice during the next waves of COVID-19 infection, ensuring patients continue to receive ECT.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted clinical care and research in Neuro-Oncology?

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the continued delivery of healthcare globally. Due to disease risk, clinicians were forced to re-evaluate the safety and priorities of pre-pandemic care. Neuro-oncology presents unique challenges, as patients can deteriorate rapidly without intervention. These challenges were also observed in countries with reduced COVID-19 burden with centres required to rapidly develop strategies to maintain efficient and equitable care. This review aims to summarise the impact of the pandemic on clinical care and research within the practice of Neuro-oncology. A narrative review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASS and results screened using PRISMA guidelines with relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria. Search strategies included variations of ‘Neuro-oncology’ combined with COVID-19 and other clinical-related terms. Most adult and paediatric neurosurgical centres experienced reductions in new referrals and operations for brain malignancies, and those who did present for treatment frequently had operations cancelled or delayed. Many radiation therapy and medical oncology centres altered treatment plans to mitigate COVID-19 risk for patients and staff. New protocols were developed that aimed to reduce in-person visits and reduce the risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to the provision of safe and accessible healthcare. Despite these challenges, some benefits to healthcare provision such as the use of telemedicine are likely to remain in future practice. Neuro-oncology staff must remain vigilant to ensure patient and staff safety.

A tropical tertiary neurosurgical centre response to COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on neurosurgical practices

Background

COVID-19 pandemic may decrease the quantum of care for patients with neurosurgical conditions.

Objectives

To determine outpatient clinic (OPC) patient load, neurosurgical procedures volume and disease spectrum following the institution of a new care protocol during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and compare with previous practice data in our institution.

Methods

A monocentric retrospective analysis of all patients requiring neurosurgical care over a 2-year period.

Results

There was a 42.4% reduction in OPC attendance and 41.8% reduction in surgical procedures in 2020 compared to 2019. There was >60 percent reduction in the volume of surgery that was done at the onset and peak of the pandemic but this has normalized in November 2020 despite the resurgence of COVID-19, after the institution of a new care protocol. Neurotrauma procedures (29.6%) were the most common neurosurgical operation in 2020 while congenital malformation surgery (37.3%) was the most common procedure performed in 2019.

Conclusions

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic initially led to significant decrease in quantum and spectra of patients who presented at the OPC and for neurosurgical procedures. Instituted local protocol and Teleclinics, if added to clinical care armamentarium, may help to improve on the low patient attendance during pandemics.

Comparison of Perioperative Characteristics and Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 Patients Undergoing Neurosurgery—A Retrospective Analysis

Background Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presenting for neurosurgery are not rare. Considering the lack of literature informing the outcomes in this subset, present study was conducted to compare perioperative management and postoperative outcomes between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 neurosurgical patients.

Methods After ethics committee approval, data of all patients with COVID-19 along with an equal number of age and diagnosis matched non-COVID-19 patients undergoing neurosurgery between April 2020 and January 2021 was analyzed retrospectively. Predictors of poor outcome were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results During the study period, 50 COVID-19 patients (28 laboratory confirmed (group-C) and 22 clinicoradiological diagnosed [group-CR]) underwent neurosurgery and were compared with 50 matched non-COVID-19 patients. Preoperatively, clinicoradiological diagnosed COVID-19 patients had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade (p = 0.01), lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (p < 0.001), and more pulmonary involvement (p = 0.004). The duration of intensive care unit stay was significantly longer in laboratory confirmed patients (p = 0.03). Poor clinical outcome (in-hospital mortality or discharge motor-GCS ≤ 5) did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.28). On univariate analysis, younger age, higher ASA grade, lower preoperative GCS, and motor-GCS, higher intraoperative blood and fluid administration and traumatic brain injury diagnosis were associated with poor outcome. On multivariable logistic regression. only lower preoperative motor-GCS remained the predictor of poor outcome.

Conclusions The concomitant presence of COVID-19 infection did not translate into poor outcome in patients undergoing neurosurgery. Preoperative motor-GCS predicted neurological outcome in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 neurosurgical patients.

Electroconvulsive Therapy in Canada During the First Wave of COVID-19: Results of the "What Happened" National Survey

OBJECTIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the provision of essential and potentially life-saving procedural treatments such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We surveyed ECT providers across Canada to understand how the first wave of the pandemic affected ECT delivery between mid-March 2020 and mid-May 2020.

METHODS

The survey was administered to ECT team members and decision makers at 107 Canadian health care centers with a focus on 5 domains: operations, decision-making, hospital resources, ECT procedure, and patient impact. Responses were obtained from 72 institutions, and collected answers were used to derive representative responses reflecting the situation at each ECT center. For specific domains, responses were split into 2 databases representing the perspective of psychiatrists (n = 67 centers) and anesthesiologists (n = 24 centers).

RESULTS

Provision of ECT decreased in 64% centers and was completely suspended in 27% of centers after the onset of the pandemic. Outpatient and maintenance ECT were more affected than inpatient and acute ECT. Programs reported a high level of collaboration between psychiatry and hospital leadership (59%) but a limited input from clinical ethicists (18%). Decisions were mostly made ad hoc leading to variability across institutions in adopted resource allocation, physical location of ECT delivery, and triaging frameworks. The majority of centers considered ECT to be aerosol-generating and incorporated changes to airway management.

CONCLUSIONS

Electroconvulsive therapy services in Canada were markedly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The variability in decision-making across centers warrants the development of a rational approach toward offering ECT in pandemic contexts.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Brain Stimulation Therapy

Among the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic has been restricted access to safe and effective forms of psychiatric treatment. Focusing on electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation, we review the pandemic's impact on brain stimulation therapy by asking 3 fundamental questions-Where have we been? How are we doing? And where are we going?

Practice Patterns in Surgical Neuro-Oncology Among Low- and Middle-Income Countries During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Scoping Review and Situational Report from the Philippines

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has negatively affected the outcomes of surgical neuro-oncology patients worldwide. We aimed to review the practice patterns in surgical neuro-oncology in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We also present a situational report from our own country.

METHODS

A scoping review was performed following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included in the review. Most of the studies were from Asia (India, China, Iran, and Turkey), and 1 was from Brazil. Quantitative reports showed a decrease in the number of surgical neuro-oncology operations between pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 time frames, but similar proportions of neuro-oncology procedures. Qualitative review showed similar practice patterns between LMICs and high-income countries, except for limitations in resources such as negative-pressure operating rooms and intensive care units, and maintenance of face-to-face consults despite the adoption of telemedicine. Limited data on adjuvant therapy were available in LMICs.

CONCLUSIONS

In our review, we found that the practice patterns in surgical neuro-oncology in LMICs during the COVID-19 pandemic are similar to those in high-income countries, except for a few modifications because of resource limitation and patient preferences.

International alliance and AGREE-ment of 71 clinical practice guidelines on the management of critical care patients with COVID-19: a living systematic review

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to systematically identify and critically assess the clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19 with the AGREE II instrument.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We searched Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE, CNKI, CBM, WanFang, and grey literature from November 2019 - November 2020. We did not apply language restrictions. One reviewer independently screened the retrieved titles and abstracts, and a second reviewer confirmed the decisions. Full texts were assessed independently and in duplicate. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. We included any guideline that provided recommendations on the management of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Data extraction was performed independently and in duplicate by two reviewers. We descriptively summarized CPGs characteristics. We assessed the quality with the AGREE II instrument and we summarized relevant therapeutic interventions.

RESULTS

We retrieved 3,907 records and 71 CPGs were included. Means (Standard Deviations) of the scores for the 6 domains of the AGREE II instrument were 65%(SD19.56%), 39%(SD19.64%), 27%(SD19.48%), 70%(SD15.74%), 26%(SD18.49%), 42%(SD34.91) for the scope and purpose, stakeholder involvement, rigor of development, clarity of presentation, applicability, editorial independence domains, respectively. Most of the CPGs showed a low overall quality (less than 40%).

CONCLUSION

Future CPGs for COVID-19 need to rely, for their development, on standard evidence-based methods and tools.

Unequal Impact of COVID-19 on Private and Academic Neurosurgical Workforce: Results of an International Survey

Background: Since the COVID-19 outbreak several manuscripts regarding neurosurgical practice during this pandemic have been published. Qualitative studies on how the pandemic affected neurosurgeons, with additional focus on their practice, are still scarce. This study's objective was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on various aspects of the professional and private life of a homogeneous group of international neurosurgeons affiliated to the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). Methods: Neurosurgeons from Europe and abroad were invited to participate in an online survey endorsed by the Individual Membership Committee of the EANS. The survey captured a subjective snapshot of the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on EANS members and was advertised through its Institutional website. In addition to departmental data, personal feeling of safety, financial security, local precautions, number of surgeries performed, changes in daily routine, and other practice-related information were inquired. Differences among practice types were closely reviewed. Results: The survey was distributed between April and May 2020: 204 neurosurgeons participated. Participants were typically active EANS members (73%), consultants (57.9%), from university hospitals (64.5%). Elective surgical practice was still ongoing only for 15% of responders, whereas 18.7% of them had already transitioned to COVID-19 and emergency medical services. While 65.7% of participants thought their institutions were adequately prepared, lack of testing for SARS-CoV-2, and scarcity of personal protective equipment were still a matter of concern for most of them. Overall surgical activity dropped by 68% (cranial by 54%, spine by 71%), and even emergencies decreased by 35%. COVID-19 prompted changes in communication in 74% of departments, 44% increased telemedicine by >50%. While most neurosurgeons had concerns about personal and families' health, financial outlook appeared to be gloomy only for private practitioners. Conclusion: The lockdown imposed in many countries by the COVID-19 outbreak called for immediate modification of working routine and resulted in a dramatic decrease of elective surgical procedures. Neurosurgeons share common concerns but were not equally exposed to the personal health and financial dangers of the ongoing pandemic.

An Examination of History for Promoting Diversity in Neuroscience

Purpose of Review

A review of American history is presented to understand how public policy has contributed to a disproportionate burden of disease in members of underrepresented groups. A review of research conducted in the Stroke Belt provides an opportunity to examine more closely traditional and non-traditional risk factors in an effort to consider strategies for change.

Recent Findings

A diverse physician workforce has been offered as a way of improving care for our increasingly diverse populace. Given the expected increased prevalence of stroke in communities of color and the impact of stress from discrimination on health, proactive strategies to promote inclusion and equity to support diversity in perioperative neuroscience is warranted.

Summary

Public policy rooted in structural racism has left marginalized groups economically and educationally disadvantaged with less access to health care. Mistrust and fear from ongoing discrimination compels the neuroscience community to broaden their approach for developing a more reassuring and supportive educational environment for patients and trainees.

Anesthetic Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Interventional Neuro-Radiology Suite: State of the Art

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review discusses the general anesthetic approach of endovascular stroke therapy and highlights recent advances and considerations for optimal intraoperative management of acute ischemic stroke.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent randomized controlled trials have shown no differences in clinical outcomes between monitored anesthesia care with sedation compared with general anesthesia for endovascular stroke therapy. The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated decision-making in the neurointerventional setting. Advances in imaging techniques have extended the window of treatment for endovascular therapy.

SUMMARY

Optimal time to intervention, hemodynamic stability, novel imaging techniques, and careful consideration of anesthetic plan can impact patient outcomes in reperfusion stroke therapy.

Perioperative Practices and Outcome of Neurosurgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Institutional Experience and Retrospective Observational Analysis

Introduction Surgery during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major concern due to possibility of infection transmission among health care workers (HCWs) and patients, and a worsened surgical outcome; most surgeries are thus being deferred. However, we continued with emergency neurosurgeries using our own Neurosurgical Standard Operating Procedures (NS-SOPs). We describe here our institutional neurosurgical experience and observations of a retrospective analysis done to determine the incidence of workplace-acquired COVID infection among the HCWs, and the outcome of neurosurgery performed during the early phase of the on-going pandemic.

Methods Our NS-SOPs included a Screening Proforma, and protocols for the conduct of neurosurgery, starting from the preoperative period till death or postdischarge follow-up of the patients. Protocols to ensure safety and mental well-being of the HCWs were also implemented. Patient and HCW data from April 1 to August 31, 2020 was collected and analyzed for the postsurgical patient outcome and for determining the level of workplace-transmitted COVID infection.

Results Neurosurgeries were performed on 169 patients during this 5-month period. We observed a cumulative mortality of 17/169 (10.1%), with 5 patients having unexplained postoperative respiratory manifestations and rapid deterioration suggestive of COVID illness. Nineteen HCWs (8.83%), mostly nurses, were infected, but only 3 (16.7%) had workplace-acquired infection. The infections were sporadic with no cluster of infections observed.

Conclusion Implementation of standard perioperative protocols and their continuous scrutiny, evaluation, and modification is important to contain infection in HCWs and to improve the neurosurgical outcome during this pandemic.

Awake craniotomy for glioblastoma in COVID-19–positive patients and delivering the standard of care: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Providing the standard of care to patients with glioblastoma (GBM) during the novel coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a challenge, particularly if a patient tests positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Further difficulties occur in eloquent cortex tumors because awake speech mapping can theoretically aerosolize viral particles and expose staff. Moreover, microscopic neurosurgery has become difficult because the use of airborne-level personal protective equipment (PPE) crowds the space between the surgeon and the eyepiece. However, delivering substandard care will inevitably lead to disease progression and poor outcomes.

OBSERVATIONS

A 60-year-old man with a left insular and frontal operculum GBM was found to be COVID-19 positive. Treatment was postponed pending a negative SARS-CoV-2 result, but in the interim, he developed intratumoral hemorrhage with progressive expressive aphasia. Because the tumor was causing dominant hemisphere language symptomatology, an awake craniotomy was the recommended surgical approach. With the use of airborne-level PPE and a surgical drape to protect the surgeon from the direction of potential aerosolization, near-total gross resection was achieved.

LESSONS

Delaying the treatment of patients with GBM who test positive for COVID-19 will lead to further neurological deterioration. Optimal and timely treatment such as awake speech mapping for COVID-19–positive patients with GBM can be provided safely.

Effective Adaptation of Ventilation Maneuvers in Electroconvulsive Therapy Sessions During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

Supplemental digital content is available in the text.

Ventilation Adjustment in ECT During COVID-19: Voluntary Hyperventilation is an Effective Strategy

PURPOSE

Airway management is a key objective in adapted electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent infection. The objective of this study was to describe the effectiveness of a modified ventilation procedure designed to reduce aerosol-generating bag-mask ventilation (BMV) and isolate possible droplets while maintaining adequate respiratory gas values in ECT sessions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study analyzed the results of the modified protocol applied over a month. Adaptations entailed preoxygenation and extension of the voluntary hyperventilation (VHV) time for two minutes before anesthesia induction, asking patients to hyperventilate with oxygen therapy via nasal cannula and while wearing a face mask. Thereafter, vigorous hyperventilation was avoided, and patients were only assisted with tightly sealed BMV until emergence from anesthesia, isolating the ventilation by using a single-use plastic device. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) and transcutaneous partial pressure of carbon dioxide (TcPCO2) were recorded throughout the session.

RESULTS

The study included 74 sessions of bilateral ECT with the modified ventilation protocol in 15 subjects. After VHV, the mean SpO2 increase was 2.12±2.14%, and the mean TcPCO2 decrease was 4.05±2.98 mmHg. TcPCO2 values at the moment of stimulus administration were 2.22±3.07 mmHg below pre-ECT values. The mean EEG seizure was 38.70±17.03 s, and postictal suppression was 68.31± 34.58% and 2.13±0.75 on a 0-3 scale. Brief desaturation (SpO2 <90) of 4-5 seconds duration was observed in 4 sessions.

CONCLUSION

This modified ventilation protocol was effective during COVID-19, and it did not elicit significant side effects. In addition to avoiding vigorous BMV, it induced moderate hypocapnia, which has been tied to seizure optimization and less hypercapnia during the apnea period.

Year in Review: Synopsis of Selected Articles in Neuroanesthesia and Neurocritical Care from 2020

This review is a synopsis of selected articles from neuroscience, neuroanesthesia, and neurocritical care from the year 2020 (January–December 2020). The journals reviewed include anesthesia journals, critical care medicine journals, neurology and neurosurgical journals, as well as high-impact medical journals such as the Lancet, Journal of American Medical Association, New England Journal of Medicine, and Stroke. This summary of important articles will serve to update the knowledge of anesthesiologists and other perioperative physicians who provide care to neurosurgical and neurocritical care patients. In addition, some of the important narrative reviews that are of interest to neuroanesthesiologists are also listed.

Electroconvulsive therapy services during COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) services hard worldwide as it is considered an elective procedure and hence has been given less importance. Other reasons include the risk of transmission of infections, lack of resources, and the scarcity of anesthesiologists due to their diversion to intensive care units to manage COVID-19 patients. However, ECT is an urgent and life-saving measure for patients diagnosed with depression and other severe mental illnesses who have suicidality, catatonia, or require a rapid therapeutic response. COVID-19 pandemic is a significant source of stress for individuals due to its impact on health, employment, and social support resulting in new-onset psychiatric illnesses and the worsening of a pre-existing disorder. Hence, a continuation of the ECT services during the COVID-19 pandemic is of paramount importance. In this narrative review, the authors from India have compiled the literature on the ECT practice during the COVID-19 pandemic related to the screening and testing protocol, necessity of personal protective equipment, modification in ECT Suite, electrical stmulus settings, and anesthesia technique modification. The authors have also shared their experiences with the ECT services provided at their institute during this pandemic. This description will help other institutes to manage the ECT services uninterruptedly and make ECT a safe procedure during the current pandemic.

The impact of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) on neurosurgical practice and training: a review article

The 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has affected all of society at different levels. Similarly, COVID-19 has significantly impacted every medical field, including neurosurgery. By exposing scarcities in the healthcare industry and requiring the reallocation of available resources towards the priority setting and away from elective surgeries and outpatient visits, the pandemic posed new, unprecedented challenges to the medical community. Despite the redistribution of resources towards COVID-19 patients and away from elective surgeries, urgent and emergent surgeries for life-threatening conditions needed to be continued. The neurosurgical community, like other specialties not directly involved in the care of COVID-19 patients, initially struggled to balance the needs of COVID-19 patients with those of neurosurgical patients, residents, and researchers. Several articles describing the effect of COVID-19 on neurosurgical practice and training have been published throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This article aims to provide a focused review of the impact COVID-19 has had on neurosurgical practice and training as well as describe neurological manifestations of the disease.

Neuroanesthesiology Update

This review summarizes the literature published in 2020 that is relevant to the perioperative care of neurosurgical patients and patients with neurological diseases as well as critically ill patients with neurological diseases. Broad topics include general perioperative neuroscientific considerations, stroke, traumatic brain injury, monitoring, anesthetic neurotoxicity, and perioperative disorders of cognitive function.

Changes in Neuroanesthesia Practice During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences From a Single Center in China

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a novel coronavirus, is highly contagious. Global medical systems have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the majority of patients with intracranial disease require time-sensitive surgery, how to conduct neurosurgery and prevent and control nosocomial infection during a pandemic is challenging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients undergoing neurosurgical and neurointerventional procedures at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, China during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic between January 21 and July 31, 2020. A 3-level system of COVID-19 risk was established based on medical conditions, epidemiologic, and symptom inquiry and the results of triage. A transitional unit was established for patients in whom COVID-19 had not been ruled out on admission to hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 4025 patients underwent neurosurgery during the study period, including 768 emergent and 3257 nonemergent procedures. Of these patients, 3722 were low-risk for COVID-19, 303 were moderate-risk, and none were high-risk. In addition, 1419 patients underwent neurointerventional procedures, including 114 emergent and 1305 nonemergent interventions, of which 1339 were low-risk patients, 80 were moderate-risk and none were high-risk. A total of 895 patients (neurosurgical and neurointerventional) were admitted to the transitional unit. Forty-five patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 and transferred to the COVID-19 designated hospital. There were no cases of COVID-19 nosocomial infections among surgical patients or health care workers.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of our single-center experience, developing a full screening protocol for COVID-19, establishing a risk level, and using a transitional unit for those with unknown COVID-19 status are effective measures to provide a safe environment for patients and health care workers.

COVID-19 and the perioperative neuroscience - A narrative review

Among the several medical specialties, anesthesiologists are probably the most affected ones from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic as they are at the frontline. In the present stage of the pandemic, where we are observing community transmission, more people with elective neurologic and neurosurgical problems are likely to be tested positive for this virulent disease. Neuroanesthesiologists play an important role in the perioperative period and in neuroradiology suite. It is imperative to know the best available ways by which health care providers can manage their patients and also necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection, not only amongst themselves but also between patients. A high index of suspicion in such patients may help avoid delay in diagnosis and catastrophic sequelae. An overall knowledge about the disease will help plan the clinical management of neurologic patients, during the perioperative period.

EAN consensus statement for management of patients with neurological diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has posed multiple challenges to the practice of clinical neurology including recognition of emerging neurological complications and management of coexistent neurological diseases. In a fast-evolving pandemic, evidence-based studies are lacking in many areas. This paper presents European Academy of Neurology (EAN) expert consensus statements to guide neurologists caring for patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

A refined Delphi methodology was applied. In round 1, statements were provided by EAN scientific panels (SPs). In round 2, these statements were circulated to SP members not involved in writing them, asking for agreement/disagreement. Items with agreement >70% were retained for round 3, in which SP co-chairs rated importance on a five-point Likert scale. Results were graded by importance and reported as consensus statements.

RESULTS

In round one, 70 statements were provided by 23 SPs. In round two, 259/1061 SP member responses were received. Fifty-nine statements obtained >70% agreement and were retained. In round three, responses were received from 55 co-chairs of 29 SPs. Whilst general recommendations related to prevention of COVID-19 transmission had high levels of agreement and importance, opinion was more varied concerning statements related to therapy.

CONCLUSION

This is the first structured consensus statement on good clinical practice in patients with neurological disease during the COVID-19 pandemic that provides immediate guidance for neurologists. In this fast-evolving pandemic, a rapid response using refined Delphi methodology is possible, but guidance may be subject to change as further evidence emerges.

Challenges and pitfalls in anesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) refers to the application of electricity to the patients' scalp to treat psychiatric disorders, most notably, treatment-resistant depression. It is a safe, effective, and evidence-based therapy that is performed with general anesthesia. Muscle relaxation is used to prevent injuries related to the tonic-clonic seizure caused by ECT. Hypnotics are administered to induce amnesia and unconsciousness, so that, patients do not experience the period of muscle relaxation, while the generalized seizure is left unnoticed. For the anesthesiologist, ECT is associated with the challenges and pitfalls that are related to informed consent, social acceptance of ECT, airway management (especially in COVID-19 patients), and the interaction between ventilation and anesthetics from one viewpoint, and seizure induction and maintenance from another. The exact mode of action of the therapy is as unknown as the optimal choice or combination of anesthetics used.

Awake craniotomy in a Covid-19 positive patient: The challenges and outcome

Background

The SARS-COV-2 is a novel coronavirus which is the etiological agent of the COVID-19 infection. The neurosurgical practice is not exempted from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Awake craniotomy in a COVID-19 positive patient pose a significant risk for theatre staff but intubation of a COVID-19 positive patient for surgery under general anesthesia also pose similar risk.

Method

Federal Teaching Hospital Ido Ekiti is a tertiary hospital in suburban community in Southwest Nigeria with 300-bed capacity. The hospital is a designated COVID-19 treatment centre. A 69-year-old female patient was referred from a nearby COVID-19 treatment hospital on account of left parieto-occipital high grade glioma. She had awake craniotomy and gross total tumor excision.

Result

There was no need to convert to general anesthesia and she had immediate post-operative neurological improvement. Repeat COVID-19 test on post-operative day 4 was negative and she was discharged home. Thirty-day post-operative review confirmed progressive motor gain.

Conclusion

Awake craniotomy in COVID-19 positive patient with appropriate use of necessary PPEs is achievable.

NORA: Considerations during COVID 19 Pandemic-The New York Experience

Hospitals rapidly developed new procedure and protocols and engaged in emergency construction projects to adapt their facilities and procedures to provide safe and effective patient care during the COVID- 19 pandemic surge in the New York metropolitan area. Physical and procedural revisions were necessary in the operating room to continue to care for emergent patients both with and without COVID. Similar adaptions in non operating room procedure suites, recognized commonly as Non-operating Room Anesthesiology (NORA), necessitated the engagement of multiple departments in order to develop protocols and to redesign procedural areas. This article describes in detail the collaborative planning, construction and preparation implemented in two academic medical centers with regard to their various NORA programs. In developing patient care, personal protective equipment training and repurposing of procedure suites, the multidisciplinary collaborative teams have taken into consideration the professional national societies governing Gastroenterology, Cardiology, and Interventional Radiology.

Neuroanesthesia Practice during COVID-19: A Single-Center Experience

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a challenge for all health care providers (HCPs). Anesthesiologists are vulnerable to acquiring the disease during aerosol-generating procedures in operating theater and intensive care units. High index of suspicion, detailed history including travel history, strict hand hygiene, use of face masks, and appropriate personal protective equipment are some ways to minimize the risk of exposure to disease. Neurologic manifestations of COVID-19, modification of anesthesia regimen based on the procedure performed, and HCP safety are some implications relevant to a neuroanesthesiologist. National and international guidelines, recommendations, and position statements help in risk stratification, prioritization, and scheduling of neurosurgery and neurointervention procedures. Institutional protocols can be formulated based on the guidelines wherein each HCP has a definite role in this ever-changing scenario. Mental and physical well-being of HCPs is an integral part of successful management of patients. We present our experience in managing 143 patients during the lockdown period in India.

Perioperative Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Incidence and Outcomes in Neurosurgical Patients at Two Tertiary Care Centers in Washington, DC, During a Pandemic: A 6-Month Follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to affect all aspects of health care delivery, and neurosurgical practices are not immune to its impact. We aimed to evaluate neurosurgical practice patterns as well as the perioperative incidence of COVID-19 in neurosurgical patients and their outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review of neurosurgical and neurointerventional cases at 2 tertiary centers during the first 3 months of the first peak of COVID-19 pandemic (March 8 to June 8) as well as following 3 months (post-peak pandemic; June 9 to September 9) was performed. Baseline characteristics, perioperative COVID-19 test results, modified Medically Necessary, Time-Sensitive (mMeNTS) score, and outcome measures were compared between COVID-19-positive and-negative patients through bivariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 652 neurosurgical and 217 neurointerventional cases were performed during post-peak pandemic period. Cervical spine, lumbar spine, functional/pain, cranioplasty, and cerebral angiogram cases were significantly increased in the postpandemic period. There was a 2.9% (35/1197) positivity rate for COVID-19 testing overall and 3.6% (13/363) positivity rate postoperatively. Age, mMeNTS score, complications, length of stay, case acuity, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, and disposition were significantly different between COVID-19-positive and-negative patients.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant increase in elective case volume during the post-peak pandemic period is feasible with low and acceptable incidence of COVID-19 in neurosurgical patients. COVID-19-positive patients were younger, less likely to undergo elective procedures, had increased length of stay, had more complications, and were discharged to a location other than home. The mMeNTS score plays a role in decision-making for scheduling elective cases.

Electroconvulsive therapy protocol adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, electroconvulsive therapy units have had to confront challenges such as the infectious hazard due to aerosol-generating ventilation, or the lack of staff and material resources. Our objective was to elaborate a protocol to make ECT during the COVID-19 pandemic a safer procedure for patients and professionals.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary workgroup (including mental health, anesthesia, preventive medicine, and occupational risk professionals) was formed in the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, in March 2020. A core group conducted a review of the scientific literature and healthcare organizations' guidelines and wrote a protocol draft. Then, a discussion with the workgroup was made until consensus was reached. The protocol has been continuously updated. Discussions were made by group e-mailing and video conferencing.

RESULTS

The protocol includes the following main areas: (1) ECT unit's structural and functional considerations; (2) SARS-CoV-2 screening protocol; (3) ECT clinical practice adaptation (personal protective equipment, airway management, recovery room, and maintenance of the facilities); (4) management of COVID-19 cases; and (5) protocol assessment.

LIMITATIONS

The literature review was not systematic; the consensus was not based on a structured methodology. For other ECT units, local advisories may not be valid, and resource shortages (such as anesthetist availability, or the lack of respirators and PCR tests) may impede or prevent their implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ECT should continue to be advocated as an essential medical procedure. It is recommended that each ECT unit develop its own protocol. This proposal may be used as a reference.

Electroconvulsive Therapy Practice Changes in Older Individuals Due to COVID-19: Expert Consensus Statement

The ubiquitous coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has required healthcare providers across all disciplines to rapidly adapt to public health guidelines to reduce risk while maintaining quality of care. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which involves an aerosol-generating procedure from manual ventilation with a bag mask valve while under anesthesia, has undergone drastic practice changes in order to minimize disruption of treatment in the midst of COVID-19. In this paper, we provide a consensus statement on the clinical practice changes in ECT specific to older adults based on expert group discussions of ECT practitioners across the country and a systematic review of the literature. There is a universal consensus that ECT is an essential treatment of severe mental illness. In addition, there is a clear consensus on what modifications are imperative to ensure continued delivery of ECT in a manner that is safe for patients and staff, while maintaining the viability of ECT services. Approaches to modifications in ECT to address infection control, altered ECT procedures, and adjusting ECT operations are almost uniform across the globe. With modified ECT procedures, it is possible to continue to meet the needs of older patients while mitigating risk of transmission to this vulnerable population.

Awake craniotomy in the COVID-19 era - technical tips and feasibility

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Awake craniotomy in the COVID-19 era feasibility and safety.

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Techniques for awake craniotomy in the COVID-19 era.

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Use of COVID-19 personal protective equipment in awake craniotomy.

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Minimising the risk to patient and staff members performing awake craniotomy in the COVID-19 era.

There has been a growing anxiety in carrying out awake craniotomy surgeries during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, not only due to airway management but also close proximity to the team in theatre. We set out to safely perform the first documented awake craniotomy in the UK since the beginning of lockdown. We performed a thorough workup of the patient with minimal hospital visits, using remote communication wherever possible. We modified our existing awake craniotomy protocol/technique guided by local/national policies.

An asleep-awake-asleep craniotomy for tumour resection was performed successfully without compromising patient and staff safety with excellent post-operative outcome. With appropriate pre- and peri-operative modifications to established protocols, awake craniotomies with functional mapping can be safely carried out. By incorporating novel aspects to our technique, we believe that this service can safely resume in carefully selected patients.

Ect in Two Elderly Patients with Covid-19: Weighing Up Unknown Risks in Unprecedented Times

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation demanding a rapid response to a barrage of unknown risks. Issues around infection control, resource allocation and treatment delivery have threatened the viability and accessibility of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) services. Additionally, there are unquantified risks around the delivery and effect of ECT in patients who have had COVID-19. We discuss two cases where ECT was restarted in older-adults who had had symptomatic COVID-19. We consider the importance of clinical assessment, multi-speciality team involvement, and comprehensive risk assessment in making high stakes treatment decisions around ECT in patients with COVID-19. Although more research and international multi-speciality collaboration is required to develop evidence-based guidance, it is vital that we maintain equitable access to safe, effective and potentially life-saving ECT during this pandemic.

Accelerated Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation in Late-Life Depression: A Possible Option for Older Depressed Adults in Need of ECT During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an essential psychiatric service with an important role in treating older adults with severe or treatment-resistant depression. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ECT services have be constrained by infection control measures. We report a case of a 66-year-old female patient with a severe major depressive episode who had previously responded to right unilateral ECT and was treated with two modified accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (aiTBS) protocols.

METHODS

The two aiTBS courses consisted of eight daily sessions over five consecutive days, followed by gradual tapering, using 1,800 pulses per session pre-COVID-19 (first course), and 600 pulses per session during the pandemic (second course).

RESULTS

Moderate to severe baseline depressive symptoms reached remission levels after both courses.

CONCLUSION

The 600-pulses aiTBS treatment protocol reported here warrants further study and evaluation, but may be a potential option in cases where older adults with severe depressive symptoms cannot access ECT during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regional Mechanical Thrombectomy Imaging Protocol in Patients Presenting with Acute Ischemic Stroke during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Chest CT is a rapid, useful additional screening tool for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in emergent procedures. We describe the feasibility and interim outcome of implementing a modified imaging algorithm for COVID-19 risk stratification across a regional network of primary stroke centers in the work-up of acute ischemic stroke referrals for time-critical mechanical thrombectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We undertook a retrospective review of 49 patients referred to the regional neuroscience unit for consideration of mechanical thrombectomy between April 14, 2020, and May 21, 2020. During this time, all referring units followed a standard imaging protocol that included a chest CT in addition to a head CT and CT angiogram to identify Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infective pulmonary changes.

RESULTS

Overall, 2 patients had typical COVID-19 radiologic features and tested positive, while 7 patients had indeterminate imaging findings and tested negative. The others had normal or atypical changes and were not diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19. There was an overall sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 74.1%, negative predictive value of 100%, and positive predictive value of 22.2% when using chest CT to diagnose COVID-19 in comparison with the real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test. The mean additional time and radiation dose incurred for the chest CT were 184 ± 65.5 seconds and 2.47 ± 1.03 mSv. Multiple cardiovascular and pulmonary incidental findings of clinical relevance were identified in our patient population.

CONCLUSIONS

Chest CT provides a pragmatic, rapid additional tool for COVID-19 risk stratification among patients referred for mechanical thrombectomy. Its inclusion in a standardized regional stroke imaging protocol has enabled efficient use of hospital resources with minimal compromise or delay to the overall patient treatment schedule.

Airway Management in the Operating Room and Interventional Suites in Known or Suspected COVID-19 Adult Patients: A Practical Review

Current evidence suggests that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread occurs via respiratory droplets (particles >5 µm) and possibly through aerosol. The rate of transmission remains high during airway management. This was evident during the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic where those who were involved in tracheal intubation had a higher risk of infection than those who were not involved (odds ratio 6.6). We describe specific airway management principles for patients with known or suspected COVID-19 disease for an array of critical care and procedural settings. We conducted a thorough search of the available literature of airway management of COVID-19 across a variety of international settings. In addition, we have analyzed various medical professional body recommendations for common procedural practices such as interventional cardiology, gastroenterology, and pulmonology. A systematic process that aims to protect the operators involved via appropriate personal protective equipment, avoidance of unnecessary patient contact and minimalization of periprocedural aerosol generation are key components to successful airway management. For operating room cases requiring general anesthesia or complex interventional procedures, tracheal intubation should be the preferred option. For interventional procedures, when tracheal intubation is not indicated, cautious conscious sedation appears to be a reasonable approach. Awake intubation should be avoided unless it is absolutely necessary. Extubation is a high-risk procedure for aerosol and droplet spread and needs thorough planning and preparation. As updates and modifications in the management of COVID-19 are still evolving, local guidelines, appraised at regular intervals, are vital in optimizing clinical management.

Video Section-Operative Nuances: Step by Step - Donning and Doffing in Neurosurgical Operating Room

Background and Introduction

Donning and doffing of personal protective equipments (PPE) has become relevant especially during COVID-19 pandemic and neurosurgeons operating upon COVID-19 positive or suspect patients should be aware of proper technique of donning and doffing of PPE.^[1] Surgeries involving direct exposure of anterior nasal spaces/paranasal sinuses carry significantly more risk of infection and it may be prudent to use PPE while operating all such cases.^[2].

Objective

In this video, we present our extensive protocol of donning and doffing of PPE which we have devised for our operating room.

Technique

Donning consists of wearing of the PPE in a proper sequence so as to afford maximal protection from viral infection while conducting the surgical procedure. Various components of PPE and procedure of donning is shown followed by doffing, the sequential and safe removal of the PPE.

Results

A meticulous method of donning and doffing PPE for neurosurgeons handling COVID-19 positive / suspect cases has been shown .

Conclusion

Proper sequence of donning and doffing of PPE gear is of crucial importance during the COVID pandemic to prevent infection to the health care workers while handling COVID-19 positive/suspect cases and this video demonstrates the protocol we use at our institute.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Stroke Patients

Introduction

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS2-CoV-2) induced pandemic (COVID-19 pandemic) has affected healthcare in all aspects, including stroke care. We sought to investigate this effect with analysis of our hospital’s stroke treatment protocols as well as stroke volume on state, regional, and national levels.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from our stroke registry to assess the impact of the SARS2-CoV-2 induced pandemic on the volume of stroke patients presenting to our facility. Demographics collected included age, sex, race, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on admission, discharge modified Rankin Score (mRS), type of stroke (ischemic, hemorrhagic, or transient ischemic attack), time of symptom onset, and time to initial imaging. Data were also stratified by date and comparison was made between the intra-COVID-period (March and April 2020), pre-COVID period (March and April 2019), and peri-COVID period (January and February 2020). To determine stroke trends on a national level, we utilized the Get with the Guidelines (GWTG) stroke database to compare stroke volumes in the pre-COVID, peri-COVID, and intra-COVID periods between our hospital, all California hospitals, and the West and Pacific regions.

Results

There was a significant increase in last known well time (LKWT) to arrival to the emergency department (ED) (LKWT to door) as well as time from arrival to the ED to obtaining a computed tomography (CT) of the head (door to CT) in March 2020 compared to 2019 (p=0.0220 and p=0.0475, respectively). There were significantly fewer transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) in California hospitals as well as in March and April 2020 in comparison to January and February 2020 (p=0.0417). Similarly, there were significantly fewer TIAs in March and April 2019 compared to March and April 2020 (p=0.0360). The decrease in TIAs was also seen at our hospital in both time frame comparisons as well as in West Regional Hospitals in March and April 2020 compared to March and April 2019 (p=0.0111, p=0.0215, and p=0.0414, respectively).

Conclusion

Stroke care has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. We identified a delay in LKWT to door as well as time from door to CT in March 2020 compared to March 2019 at our institution. There was a statistically significant decrease in final diagnosis of TIA at our hospital, all California hospitals, and all West Regional hospitals during the March-April 2020 window, suggesting that some patients with minor stroke symptoms may not be presenting to the hospital in the midst of the pandemic. Strategies to minimize delays in care and maximize functional recovery must continue to evolve as new challenges are met during the COVID-19 pandemic.