The Impact of COVID-19 on Elective Cardiovascular Procedures in Taiwan - A Single-Center Experience.

COVID-19 has reached a pandemic level and affected both individual's health and global healthcare systems. Although Taiwan has encountered a less severe COVID-19 pandemic than many other countries, it has impacted the workflow of all cardiovascular examinations and procedures. Compared to before January 21st, 2020 (the date of the first confirmed COVID-19 in Taiwan), the number of patients who have received echocardiography and cardiac catheterization has since fallen. However, the number of percutaneous coronary interventions being performed has remained at the usual level. Based on our experience, we suggest that healthcare providers in Taiwan should carefully evaluate the urgency of cardiovascular procedures and deferred non-emergent procedures. Given that the pandemic has not yet plateaued, we should remain prepared for future challenges to maintain our medical service.