Roadmap for Resuming Elective Neuroendovascular Procedures Following the First COVID-19 Surge

Abdalkader, Mohamad; Sathya, Anvitha; Malek, Adel M.; Fifi, Johanna T.; Norbash, Alexander M.; Wakhloo, Ajay K.; Nguyen, Thanh N.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to prioritizing high-acuity care of COVID-19 patients, while deferring non-emergent neurointerventional procedures worldwide in order to both limit contagion and add capacity for the anticipated COVID-19 surge. More specifically, health care resources, health care workers, and personal protective equipment (PPE) were all reorganized to ensure availability for the anticipated care of COVID-19 patients. As we emerge from the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic's initial surge, we prepare for re-entry of elective neurointerventional procedures to optimize the care of patients and mitigate infectious risk, while concurrently preserving ongoing capacity to care for patients with COVID-19. We present a suggested roadmap which may have utility for those reopening elective neurointerventional procedures following the pandemic surge.