Abstract
Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is considered a method for reducing ischemia-reperfusion injury during surgical interventions. Although large randomized trials in non-cardiac surgery have not demonstrated convincing clinical benefits, individual studies may suggest their potential value. We present a case report of a female patient undergoing elective orthopedic surgery, in whom RIPC was performed immediately after the induction of anesthesia. Postoperatively, troponin I levels remained within normal limits on days 1, 2, and 3, with no clinical or electrocardiographic signs of myocardial injury. A transient episode of delirium was noted on the first postoperative day; however, after treatment, the patient's condition quickly recovered, and she remained oriented and communicative. Renal function remained stable. This clinical case illustrates the clinical use of RIPC in a high-risk cardiac patient. The observed stable troponin levels and favorable postoperative course are consistent with the hypothesis of a possible protective effect of RIPC. However, these observations are descriptive in nature and highlight the need for further prospective studies to evaluate the potential effectiveness of this technique and identify patient groups that may benefit most from it. Keywords: remote ischemic preconditioning, non-cardiac surgery, troponin, myocardial injury, delirium.