Adult Cardiac Surgery and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Aggressive Infection Mitigation Strategies are Necessary in the Operating Room and Surgical Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates aggressive infection mitigation strategies to reduce the risk to patients and healthcare providers. This document is intended to provide a framework for the adult cardiac surgeon to consider in this rapidly changing environment. Pre, intra, and postoperative detailed protective measures are outlined. These are guidance recommendations during a pandemic surge to be utilized for ALL patients while local COVID-19 disease burden remains elevated.