Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support for circulatory assistance during angioplasty in a patient with Friedreich’s ataxia

The case of a 70-year-old-woman affected by Friedrich’s ataxia (FRDA), unstable angina and heart failure with left main ‘equivalent’ lesions is presented. As the patient was in need of revascularisation but would have been at high risk with coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, she underwent coronary angioplasty assisted with percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS). Despite the onset of temporary complications, the procedure was performed successfully. On the basis of this case and of a review of pertinent literature, the authors discuss the role of PCPS in high-risk patients, with respect to its indications and performance technique.