Cardio-protection with intra-aortic counter-pulsation for thoracic surgery

Abstract

A significant number of patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery are at risk of cardiac complications including myocardial infarction and cardiac-related death. There is still ongoing debate about the most appropriate management when faced with a pre-operative patient with coronary artery disease. We present the case of a 70-year old male with significant coronary artery disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction who unfortunately was also diagnosed with a non-small cell lung cancer and required surgical intervention. The management with the use of the intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) for cardio-protection is discussed.