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COVID-19 Lockdown Impacts Rhythmological Interventions and Patient Care in Germany

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study published in Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie has revealed the effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on rhythmological interventions and patient care in Germany. The nationwide survey, conducted during the first lockdown period, found a significant decline in elective rhythmological procedures, with a 41% reduction in ablation procedures and an 18% reduction in pacemaker implantations. This led to a worsening of clinical symptoms and early re-hospitalization of patients in over half of the participating centers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 lockdown led to a significant decline in elective rhythmological procedures, with a 41% reduction in ablation procedures and an 18% reduction in pacemaker implantations.
  • Over half of the participating centers (55%) reported a worsening of clinical symptoms or early re-hospitalization of patients due to postponed procedures.
  • The majority of participating centers (82.5%) were primary COVID-19 hospitals, indicating a high volume of patients affected by the lockdown.
  • The survey covered 40 electrophysiological centers, representing approximately 34% of the estimated German ablation treatments.
  • Participating centers performed a total of 24,648 ablation procedures per year, indicating a significant volume of rhythmological interventions in Germany.

Statistics:

  • 41% reduction in ablation procedures during the lockdown
  • 18% reduction in pacemaker implantations during the lockdown
  • 55% of participating centers reported a worsening of clinical symptoms or early re-hospitalization of patients
  • 34% of estimated German ablation treatments were represented by the participating centers
  • 24,648 ablation procedures/year performed by participating centers

Sources:

  • Cardiac arrhythmias in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and effects of the lockdown on invasive rhythmological therapy, Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie, 2020
  • Herzschrittmachertherapie & Elektrophysiologie, Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA
  • NewsRx, Researchers at University Hospital Giessen Target COVID-19 (Cardiac arrhythmias in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and effects of the lockdown on invasive rhythmological therapy), Cardiovascular Week, January 11, 2021; p 525.

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