King Ghidorah technique for a trifurcation lesion in a very high-risk NSTEMI

Kevin Hernández-Flores1, Paola Aceves-Chong1, Heberto Aquino-Bruno1

  • 1Department of Interventional Cardiology, Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, ISSSTE, Ciudad de México, México.

Insights

A Jehovah's Witness patient presented with persistent angina. This case highlights the challenges in managing cardiac emergencies when religious beliefs restrict blood transfusions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Ethics

Background:

  • A 66-year-old male, identifying as a Jehovah's Witness, presented with symptoms consistent with typical persistent angina.
  • Jehovah's Witnesses' religious beliefs prohibit blood transfusions, which can complicate medical and surgical management.

Observation:

  • The patient experienced typical persistent angina, a common symptom of coronary artery disease.
  • The case involves a patient with specific religious considerations impacting potential treatment options.

Findings:

  • The primary challenge is managing acute coronary syndrome in a patient who refuses blood products.
  • Treatment strategies must be carefully considered to balance efficacy with the patient's deeply held beliefs.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of advance care planning and respecting patient autonomy in medical decision-making.
  • It highlights the need for multidisciplinary collaboration between medical teams, ethics committees, and patient representatives to navigate complex treatment scenarios.