Abstract
Severe ventricular dysfunction and concomitant infection are considered absolute cotraindications for major thoracic operations and immunosuppressive therapy, respectively. However, cardiac transplantation represents the first- choice treatment in advanced heart failure. We report the case of a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and severe left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction = 25%), initially not considered as a potential heart transplant candidate due to the presence of a lung abscess. The patient subsequently underwent atypical pulmonary resection with intraoperative and perioperative intraaortic balloon counterpulsation for circulatory support and was then listed for cardiac transplant. Pitfalls and intra/postoperative strategy, all of which are potentially important aspects in minimizing operative risk, are discussed.
| Translated title of the contribution | High-risk pulmonary surgery in potential heart transplant candidates |
|---|---|
| Original language | Italian |
| Pages (from-to) | 1331-1333 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Giornale Italiano di Cardiologia |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue number | 11 |
| Publication status | Published - Nov 1999 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine