Volatile anesthetics, which are commonly used in general anesthesia to induce and maintain hypnosis, analgesia, amnesia and mild muscle relaxation, have been shown to improve post-ischemic recovery at the cellular level, in isolated hearts, and in animals, both through a pharmacological preconditioning and postconditioning action. Whether the cardioprotective effects of volatile anesthetics are clinically applicable and associated with improved cardiac function, ultimately resulting in a better outcome in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, is still debated. No data exist on patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery or stenting procedures.