Neurological complications of cardiac procedures

A variety of procedures have come into common use for the treatment of specific cardiac conditions. Although neurological complications are relatively infrequent, they can be devastating. These complications include acute encephalopathy, longer-term cognitive impairment, stroke, peripheral neuropathies, and movement disorders. This review focuses on five of the procedures: coronary revascularization, cardiac valve replacement, percutaneous coronary interventions [diagnostic cardiac catheterization and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty; (PTCA)], intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP), and the use of ventricular assist devices (VAD). Complications of cardiac procedures in children are also briefly discussed.