Abstract
HIV infection is an extremely serious problem, and the number of HIV-infected patients is increasing in the world. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and protease inhibitors (PI) allows maintenance of the inhibition of viral replication and partial reinstating the immune system in most patients. As HIV has changed from a progressive fatal illness to a chronic condition, many infected patients increasingly require diverse health services including cardiac surgery. We report a case of a 68-year-old man with HIV infection who underwent successful coronary artery bypass grafting using a cardiopulmonary bypass. The operative indication were determined according to the CD 4 count and the amount of HIV-RNA. Standard precautions were taken in the same way as for hepatitis B and hepatitis C cases. There was no percutaneous exposure to HIV infected blood. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged with no complications of HIV. The patient has been quite well without any therapy for HIV over one year.
