title: A novel approach: how an intracoronary shunt proved to be lifesaving.
abstract: Outcomes and complications following internal massage in cardiac surgery are unknown due to the lack of cumulative effort to capture those events and subsequently developing a registry. Therefore, under the circumstances there are no algorithms defined in the literature. This case report outlines the importance of sound decision-making under pressure in order to achieve a favourable outcome. A potential solution is outlined to a very complex and rare problem: anastomotic disruption during internal cardiac massage in an intensive care unit setting, demonstrating the use of an intracoronary shunt for initial stabilization prior to a definitive procedure.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Booth
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland ghooks01@qub.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Gareth J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Hooks
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: Peter C E
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Mhandu
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
authors.forename: Haralabos
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Parissis