Fitness to fly Flashcards
give examples of those with cardiovascular disease who should not fly
unstable angina
uncontrolled hypertension
uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia
decompensated heart failure
severe symptomatic valvular disease
How soon after an uncomplicated myocardial infarction may patients fly?
may fly after 7-10 days
How soon after a complicated myocardial infarction may patients fly?
after 4-6 weeks
How soon after a coronary artery bypass graft may patients fly?
after 10-14 days
How soon after a percutaneous coronary intervention may patients fly?
after 3 days
How soon after a stroke may patients fly?
advised to wait 10 days following an event
although if stable may be allowed within 3 days of the event
Can patients fly following a pneumonia? :
They should be ‘clinically improved with no residual infection’ in order to fly
Can patients fly following a pneumothorax?
- absolute contraindication
- CAA suggest 2 weeks after successful drainage if no residual air.
- British Thoracic Society recommend to wait for 1 week post clear CXR
Until what stage of pregnancy is it safe to fly?
most airlines do not allow travel after:
- 36 weeks for a single pregnancy
- 32 weeks for a multiple pregnancy
(might require certificate after 28 weeks confirming that the pregnancy is progressing normally)
When may patients fly after major abdominal surgery?
travel should be avoided for 10 days following abdominal surgery
When may patients fly after laparoscopic surgery?
after 24 hours
When can patients fly after a colonoscopy?
after 24 hours
When can a patient fly in relation to the application of a plaster cast following an injury
Cant travel for first 24hours if flight is <2 hours
Should avoid travel for 48hrs if flight is >2hrs
What Hb level is safe to allow patients to fly?
80
(provided no other underlying cardiovascular or respiratory disease)