Kardiol Pol
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Practice Guideline
Echocardiography during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: expert opinion of the Working Group on Echocardiography of the Polish Cardiac Society.
Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography may be required in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19), resulting in direct contact with the patient and risk of transmitting the infection from patients to medical personnel. Therefore, we recommend to perform problem‑oriented time‑limited transthoracic examinations. ⋯ Transesophageal echocardiography is considered an aerosol‑generating procedure and should be performed only as a lifesaving procedure. Personnel should use appropriate personal protection equipment in the immediate vicinity of the patients in accordance with the relevant guidelines.
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In patients with acute phase of ST‑segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), quick transportation to a specialist therapeutic center is of utmost importance to increase the chances of surviving. ⋯ There were differences in utilization of the Polish HEMS in patients with STEMI in urban and rural areas. The results demonstrated a positive impact of the utilization of HEMS in the early stages of the therapeutic process of these patients.