Hemoglobin-CC is a relatively uncommon hemoglobinopathy, seen primarily in the black population. These patients usually have a mild clinical course, without significant risk of vasoocclusive crises. There are no routine recommendations for preparation prior to surgery. We present a patient who developed a clinical picture suggestive of major vasoocclusion after cardiac by-pass surgery. In retrospect, these signs appear to be the result of hemodynamic instability and cardiogenic shock instead of vasoocclusion.