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BACKGROUND: Mitral valve repair provides superior outcomes to replacement for primary MR. Whether this is true following previous repair is unknown. We present the results of a strategy of re-repair for failed mitral valve repair. We examine patients who were brought to the operating room for an intended mitral valve re-repair. METHODS: We reviewed the last one decade of our institutional mitral valve databases at The University of Pennsylvania and Plano Heart Hospital and identified patients undergoing repeat mitral valve repair, in whom the index operation was mitral valve repair. We analyzed their operative details, clinical and echocardiographic outcomes. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2021, 71 patients (aged 61.5 ±10.7 years, 20% female) underwent mitral valve reoperation at an mean of 6.24 ±7.62 years following index mitral repair. 20% of patients presented with NYHA class III/IV symptoms. At index operation, 34 (47.9%) had repair through a right mini-thoracotomy. 15 patients (21.1%) required the reoperation within one year. There were 0 early and 8 late deaths. One patient who underwent mitral replacement instead of repair, required reoperation for paravalvular leak during the follow-up period. Three patients required mitral valve replacement at an average of 2.28 ±2.03 years following initial mitral valve re-repair. CONCLUSIONS: Mitral re-repair can be performed with acceptable results at a valve reference center. Durability and functional advantages of this approach remain to be proven.
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Uhl anomaly is characterized by the morphologic absence of right ventricular myocardium and is an exceedingly rare cause of nonischemic cardiomyopathy. We report the first case of a successful heart transplantation in a 41-year-old patient who presented in cardiogenic shock from Uhl anomaly causing decompensated right ventricular failure.
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Objective: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a challenging psychiatric disorder and a complex disease. The associated reduction in serum vitamin D3 (VitD3) levels in BD patients and the contribution of zinc (Zn) to the treatment, along with the severe side effects of lithium (Li) treatment, were encouraging to assess the efficacy of different correlated combinations of therapeutic/nutraceutical treatments such as olanzapine (Oln), VitD3, and Zn against Li. Methods: Mania was induced in C57BL/6 mice by administering methylphenidate (MPH) for 14 consecutive days. On the 8th day of MPH injection, different treatment regimens were administered, Li, Oln, VitD3/Zn, VitD3/Zn/Oln, VitD3 + Zn + Oln + Li50mg/kg (C50), and VitD3 + Zn + Oln + Li100mg/kg (C100). Both VitD3 (850 IU/kg) and Zn (180 mg/kg) were supplied with food for 2 weeks before starting the induction of mania, which continued until the end of MPH administration. Behavioral, brain oxidative stress, thyroid hormones, VitD3, Zn, GsK-3ß, and Bcl2 levels, as well as brain histopathological alterations, were assessed. Results: Manic mice exhibited alterations in all tested parameters, and the histopathological examination of the cortex and hippocampus confirmed these results. The VitD3/Zn/Oln, C50, and C100 treatment regimens reversed most of the behavioral and pathophysiological alterations; however, the C50 treatment regimen was the most efficient. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the importance of combining different antimanic medications like Li and Oln with nutraceutical supplements to increase their antimanic efficacy, reduce their adverse effects, and, ideally, improve the BD patient's quality of life.
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Vascular and valvular calcifications, commonly seen in renal patients, increase operative mortality and can preclude conventional valvular management. We show a novel approach to treat aortic stenosis and degenerative mitral regurgitation under hypothermic circulatory arrest in a hemodialysis patient with aortic, mitral disease and porcelain aorta with surgical and transcatheter contraindications.
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OBJECTIVES: In a subset of patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), there is a need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for pulmonary support. The primary extracorporeal support tool for severe COVID-19 ARDS is venovenous (VV) ECMO; however, after hypoxemic respiratory failure resolves, many patients experience refractory residual hypercarbic respiratory failure. Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) for isolated hypercarbic type II respiratory failure can be used in select cases to deescalate patients from VV ECMO while the lung recovers the ability to exchange CO2. The objective of this study was to describe the authors' experience in using ECCO2R as a bridge from VV ECMO. DESIGN: Hemolung Respiratory Assist System (RAS) is a commercially available (ECCO2R) device, and the United States Food and Drug Administration accelerated its use under its Emergency Use Authorization for the treatment of refractory hypercarbic respiratory failure in COVID-19-induced ARDS. This created an environment in which selected and targeted mechanical circulatory support therapy for refractory hypercarbic respiratory failure could be addressed. This retrospective study describes the application of Hemolung RAS as a VV ECMO deescalation platform to treat refractory hypercarbic respiratory failure after the resolution of hypoxemic COVID-19 ARDS. SETTING: A quaternary-care academic medical center, single institution. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with refractory hypercarbic respiratory failure after COVID-19 ARDS who were previously supported with VV ECMO. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were placed on ECCO2R after VV ECMO for COVID-19 ARDS. Seventeen patients successfully were transitioned to ECCO2R and then decannulated; 3 patients required reescalation to VV ECMO secondary to hypercapnic respiratory failure, and 1 patient died while on ECCO2R. Five (23.8%) of the 21 patients were transitioned off of VV ECMO to ECCO2R, with a compliance of <20 (mL/cmH2O). Of these patients, 3 with low compliance were reescalated to VV ECMO. CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal can be used to continue supportive methods for patients with refractory type 2 hypercarbic respiratory failure after COVID-19 ARDS for patients previously on VV ECMO. Patients with low compliance have a higher rate of reescalation to VV ECMO.
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COVID-19 , Oxigenação por Membrana Extracorpórea , Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório , Insuficiência Respiratória , Humanos , Oxigenação por Membrana Extracorpórea/métodos , Dióxido de Carbono , Estudos Retrospectivos , COVID-19/complicações , COVID-19/terapia , Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório/terapia , Insuficiência Respiratória/etiologia , Insuficiência Respiratória/terapiaRESUMO
Importance: The Ross procedure as treatment for adults with aortic valve disease (AVD) has been the subject of renewed interest. Objective: To evaluate the long-term clinical and echocardiographic outcomes following the Ross procedure for the treatment of adults with AVD. Design, Setting, and Participants: This post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial included adult patients (age <69 years) who underwent a Ross procedure for the treatment of AVD, including those with active endocarditis, rheumatic AVD, decreased ejection fraction, and previous cardiac surgery. The trial, conducted from September 1, 1994, to May 31, 2001, compared homograft root replacement with the Ross procedure at a single center. Data after 2010 were collected retrospectively in November and December 2022. Exposure: Ross procedure. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was long-term survival among patients who underwent the Ross procedure compared with that in the age-, country of origin- and sex-matched general population. Secondary end points were freedom from any reintervention, autograft reintervention, or homograft reintervention and time-related valve function, autograft diameter, and functional status. Results: This study included 108 adults (92 [85%] male) with a median age of 38 years (range, 19-66 years). Median duration of clinical follow-up was 24.1 years (IQR, 22.6-26.1 years; 2488 patient-years), with 98% follow-up completeness. Of these patients, 9 (8%) had active endocarditis and 45 (42%) underwent reoperations. The main hemodynamic lesion was stenosis in 30 (28%) and regurgitation in 49 (45%). There was 1 perioperative death (0.9%). Twenty-five year survival was 83.0% (95% CI, 75.5%-91.2%), representing a relative survival of 99.1% (95% CI, 91.8%-100%) compared with the general population (83.7%). At 25 years, freedom from any reintervention was 71.1% (95% CI, 61.6%-82.0%); from autograft reintervention, 80.3% (95% CI, 71.9%-89.6%); and from homograft reintervention, 86.3% (95% CI, 79.0%-94.3%). Thirty-day mortality after the first Ross-related reintervention was 0% and after all Ross-related reinterventions was 3.8% (n = 1); 10-year survival after reoperation was 96.2% (95% CI, 89.0%-100%). Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that the Ross procedure provided excellent survival into the third decade postoperatively that was comparable to that in the general population. Long-term freedom from reintervention demonstrated that the Ross procedure may be a durable substitute into late adulthood, showing a delayed but progressive functional decline. Trial Registration: isrctn.org Identifier: ISRCTN03530985.
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Valvopatia Aórtica , Estenose da Valva Aórtica , Endocardite , Implante de Prótese de Valva Cardíaca , Adulto , Humanos , Masculino , Adulto Jovem , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Feminino , Valva Aórtica/diagnóstico por imagem , Valva Aórtica/cirurgia , Valva Aórtica/fisiopatologia , Estenose da Valva Aórtica/cirurgia , Resultado do Tratamento , Implante de Prótese de Valva Cardíaca/métodos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Ecocardiografia , Valvopatia Aórtica/cirurgia , Endocardite/cirurgia , Medidas de Resultados Relatados pelo PacienteRESUMO
Patients with advanced cardiogenic shock requiring mechanical circulatory support are uniquely susceptible to clinical deterioration. Limiting physiologic perturbations via avoidance of general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation by awake Impella 5.5 placement is safe and may represent a novel strategy in mechanical circulatory support initiation among patients in cardiogenic shock. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).
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In recent years, development of mechanical circulatory support devices has proved to be a new treatment modality, in addition to standard pharmacological therapy, for patients with heart failure or acutely depressed cardiac function. These include left ventricular assist devices, which mechanically unload the heart when implanted. As a result, they profoundly affect the acute cardiac mechanics, which in turn, carry long-term consequences on myocardial function and structural function. Multiple studies have shown that, when implanted, mechanical circulatory assist devices lead to reverse remodelling, a process whereby the diseased myocardium reverts to a healthier-like state. Here, we start by first providing the reader with an overview of cardiac mechanics and important hemodynamic parameters. We then introduce left ventricular assist devices and describe their mode of operation as well as their impact on the hemodynamics. Changes in cardiac mechanics caused by device implantation are then extrapolated in time, and the long-term consequences on myocardial phenotype, as well as the physiological basis for these, is investigated.
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BACKGROUND: This study evaluated midterm outcomes of a 3-pronged algorithm for bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) repair. Valve-sparing root reimplantation (VSRR) was performed for patients with aortic root dilatation. In those without a root aneurysm, external subannular ring (ESAR) was performed for annuli ≥28 mm and subcommissural annuloplasty (SCA) for annuli <28 mm. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data of 242 patients undergoing primary BAV repair from April 29, 2004, to March 1, 2023, at a single institution. Primary end points were mortality, structural valve degeneration (SVD), which was defined as a composite of more than moderate aortic insufficiency or severe aortic stenosis, and reintervention. RESULTS: The algorithm was used to treat 201 patients; of these, 130 underwent VSRR, 35 had ESAR, and 36 underwent SCA. Most were men with mean age of 43.8 years (SD, 12.0 years), which was similar between groups. Preoperative aortic insufficiency more than moderate was more common for ESAR compared with VSRR and SCA (74.3% vs 37.7% vs 44.4%, P < .001). At 30 days, mortality was 0.8% (n = 1) for VSRR and 0% for ESAR and SCA. At 6 years, overall Kaplan-Meier survival was 98.9% (95% CI, 97.3%-100%), with no differences between groups (P = .5). The cumulative incidence of SVD was 4.7% (95% CI, 0.1%-9.2%) for VSRR, 6.4% (95% CI, 0%-14.6%) for ESAR, and 0% for SCA (P = .4). Similarly, the cumulative incidence of reintervention with all-cause mortality as a competing risk was 2.2% (95% CI, 0.4%-6.9%), 6.1% (95% CI, 1%-17.9%), and 0% for VSRR, ESAR, and SCA, respectively (P = .506). CONCLUSIONS: A 3-pronged algorithmic approach to BAV repair results in excellent survival and freedom from reoperation at 6 years.
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Objectives: Percutaneous pulmonary artery cannulas, used as inflow for left ventricular venting or as outflow for right ventricular mechanical circulatory support, are easily and rapidly deployable with transesophageal and fluoroscopic guidance. Methods: We chose to review our institutional and technical experience with all right atrium to pulmonary artery cannulations. Results: Based on the review, we describe 6 right atrium to pulmonary artery cannulation strategies. They are divided into total right ventricular assist support, partial right ventricular assist support, and left ventricular venting. A single limb cannula or a dual lumen cannula can be used for right ventricular support. Conclusions: In the right ventricular assist device configuration, percutaneous cannulation may prove beneficial in cases of isolated right ventricular failure. Conversely, pulmonary artery cannulation can be used for left ventricular venting as drainage to a cardiopulmonary bypass or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit. This article can be used as a reference for the technical aspects of cannulation, decision-making in patient selection, and management of patients in these clinical scenarios.
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PURPOSE: Inhibitors of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTKi) and PI3K (PI3Ki) have significantly improved therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, the emergence of resistance to BTKi has introduced an unmet therapeutic need. Hence, we sought evidence for essential roles of PI3K-δi and PI3K-γi in treatment-naïve and BTKi-refractory CLL. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Responses to PI3K-δi, PI3K-γi, and the dual-inhibitor duvelisib in each B, T, and myeloid cell compartments of CLL were studied in vitro, and in a xenograft mouse model using primary cells from treatment-naïve and ibrutinib-resistant patients, and finally, in a patient with ibrutinib-resistant CLL treated with duvelisib. RESULTS: We demonstrate the essential roles of PI3K-δ for CLL B-cell survival and migration, of PI3K-γ for T-cell migration and macrophage polarization, and of dual inhibition of PI3K-δ,γ for efficacious reduction of leukemia burden. We also show that samples from patients whose disease progressed on ibrutinib were responsive to duvelisib therapy in a xenograft model, irrespective of BTK mutations. In support of this, we report a patient with ibrutinib-resistant CLL, bearing a clone with BTK and PLCγ2 mutations, who responded immediately to single-agent duvelisib with redistribution lymphocytosis followed by a partial clinical remission associated with modulation of T and myeloid cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our data define the mechanism of action whereby dual inhibition of PI3K-δ,γ affects CLL B-cell numbers and T and myeloid cell pro-leukemia functions and support the use of duvelisib as a valuable approach for therapeutic interventions, including for patients refractory to BTKi.
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Leucemia Linfocítica Crônica de Células B , Humanos , Animais , Camundongos , Leucemia Linfocítica Crônica de Células B/tratamento farmacológico , Leucemia Linfocítica Crônica de Células B/genética , Xenoenxertos , Purinas , Tirosina Quinase da Agamaglobulinemia , Inibidores de Proteínas Quinases/farmacologia , Inibidores de Proteínas Quinases/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
COVID-19 infection can lead to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), right ventricular (RV) failure and pulmonary hypertension. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) has been used for patients with refractory hypoxemia. More recently dual-lumen right atrium to pulmonary artery oxygenated right ventricular assist devices (Oxy-RVAD) have been utilized in the severe medical refractory COVID ARDS setting. Historically, animal data has demonstrated that high continuous non-pulsatile RVAD flows, leading to unregulated and unprotected circulation through the pulmonary vessels is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary hemorrhage and increased amount of extravascular lung water. These risks are heightened in the setting of ARDS with fragile capillaries, left ventricular (LV) diastolic failure, COVID cardiomyopathy, and anticoagulation. Concurrently, due to infection, tachycardia, and refractory hypoxemia, high V-V ECMO flows to match high cardiac output are often necessary to maintain systemic oxygenation. Increase in cardiac output without a concurrent increase in VV ECMO flow will result in a higher fraction of deoxygenated blood returning to the right heart and therefore resulting in hypoxemia. Several groups have suggested using a RVAD only strategy in COVID ARDS; however, this exposes the patients to the risk of pulmonary hemorrhage. We present one of the first known cases using an RV mechanical support, partial flow pulmonary circulation, oxygenated Veno-venopulmonary (V-VP) strategy resulting in RV recovery, total renal recovery, awake rehabilitation, and recovery.
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COVID-19 , Oxigenação por Membrana Extracorpórea , Insuficiência Cardíaca , Coração Auxiliar , Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório , Animais , Oxigenação por Membrana Extracorpórea/métodos , Resultado do Tratamento , Ventrículos do Coração , Insuficiência Cardíaca/etiologia , Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório/etiologia , Hipóxia/etiologiaRESUMO
We report midterm results of Impella 5.5 use with focus placed on bridge-outcomes, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) transition, complications, and risk factors for mortality. A retrospective review of patients implanted with the Impella 5.5 at our medical center was conducted. Forty patients were included with varying bridge strategies. Sixteen (40%) patients were supported for <14 days, 13 (32.5%) for 14-30 days, and 11 (27.5%) for >30 days. Thirty day mortality was 22.5% (9/40). Twenty-five (62.5%) were successfully bridged to transplant or durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD), while four (10.0%) recovered without the need for any further cardiac support. Five of 11 (60%) patients initially supported with VA-ECMO were either transitioned to durable left ventricular assist device (dLVAD; n = 3, 27.3%), transplanted (n = 1, 9.1%), or recovered (n = 1, 9.1%). Of nine patients with >moderate right ventricle (RV) dysfunction, five (55.6%) were successfully bridged to transplant or LVAD. Five (12.5%) patients required interval cannulation to VA-ECMO, often in the setting of RV dysfunction, and all (100%) were successfully transplanted. Lower pulmonary artery (PA) systolic pressure ( P = 0.029), among other factors, was associated with mortality. In summary, the Impella 5.5 may be able to effectively stabilize patients in refractory left ventricular predominant cardiogenic shock for extended durations, allowing time for mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and transplant evaluations.
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Cardiomiopatias , Oxigenação por Membrana Extracorpórea , Transplante de Coração , Coração Auxiliar , Humanos , Oxigenação por Membrana Extracorpórea/métodos , Choque Cardiogênico/cirurgia , Choque Cardiogênico/etiologia , Coração Auxiliar/efeitos adversos , Estudos Retrospectivos , Transplante de Coração/efeitos adversosRESUMO
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used in cases of severe respiratory failure refractory to medical management. Use of ECMO is increasing, along with new cannulation strategies including oxygenated right ventricular assist devices (oxy-RVADs). Multiple dual lumen cannulas are now available, which increase the potential for patient mobility and decrease the number of vascular access sites. However, dual lumen, single cannula flow can be limited by adequate inflow, requiring the need for an additional inflow cannula to meet patient demands. This cannula configuration may result in differential flows in the inflow and outflow limbs and altered flow dynamics, increasing the risk of intracannula thrombus. We describe a series of four patients treated with oxy-RVAD for COVID-19-associated respiratory failure complicated by dual lumen ProtekDuo intracannula thrombus.
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COVID-19 , Oxigenação por Membrana Extracorpórea , Insuficiência Respiratória , Trombose , Humanos , Cânula , Oxigenação por Membrana Extracorpórea/efeitos adversos , COVID-19/complicações , Insuficiência Respiratória/etiologia , Insuficiência Respiratória/terapia , Trombose/etiologiaRESUMO
Background The Ross operation appears to restore normal survival in young and middle-aged adults with aortic valve disease. However, there are limited data comparing it with conventional aortic valve replacement. Herein, we compared outcomes of the Ross procedure with mechanical and bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement (M-AVR and B-AVR, respectively). Methods and Results MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched through March 2022 to identify randomized controlled trials and propensity score-matched studies that investigated outcomes of patients aged ≥16 years undergoing the Ross procedure, M-AVR, or B-AVR. The systematic literature search identified 2 randomized controlled trials and 8 propensity score-matched studies involving a total of 4812 patients (Ross: n=1991; M-AVR: n=2019; and B-AVR: n=802). All-cause mortality was significantly lower in the Ross procedure group compared with M-AVR (hazard ratio [HR] [95% CI], 0.58 [0.35-0.97]; P=0.035) and B-AVR (HR [95% CI], 0.32 [0.18-0.59]; P<0.001) groups. The reintervention rate was lower after the Ross procedure and M-AVR compared with B-AVR, whereas it was higher after the Ross procedure compared with M-AVR. Major bleeding rate was lower after the Ross procedure compared with M-AVR. Long-term stroke rate was lower following the Ross procedure compared with M-AVR and B-AVR. The rate of endocarditis was also lower after the Ross procedure compared with B-AVR. Conclusions Improved long-term outcomes of the Ross procedure are demonstrated compared with conventional M-AVR and B-AVR options. These results highlight a need to enhance the recognition of the Ross procedure and revisit current guidelines on the optimal valve substitute for young and middle-aged patients.
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Insuficiência da Valva Aórtica , Implante de Prótese de Valva Cardíaca , Próteses Valvulares Cardíacas , Adulto , Humanos , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Valva Aórtica/cirurgia , Insuficiência da Valva Aórtica/cirurgia , Implante de Prótese de Valva Cardíaca/métodos , Metanálise em Rede , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Adolescente , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Background: Minimally invasive mitral valve repair has been proven to be a safe alternative to open sternotomy and may be accomplished through classic endoscopic and robotic endoscopic approaches. Outcomes across different minimally invasive techniques have been insufficiently described. We compare early and late clinical outcomes across matched patients undergoing robotic endoscopic and classic endoscopic repair. Methods: From 2011 to 2020, 786 patients underwent minimally invasive mitral surgery, from which we were able to generate 124 matched patients (62 patients in each cohort). Clinical results were then compared between the two matched populations. Survival analysis was used to compare freedom from mortality to 10 years among matched classic endoscopic and robotic endoscopic mitral valve repair cohorts and to calculate freedom from moderate or severe mitral insufficiency at latest follow-up. Histograms of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and aortic cross-clamp times were constructed, and mean bypass and cross-clamp times were compared between classic endoscopic and robotic endoscopic cohorts. Results: There was no difference in early or late mortality at 10 years in either cohort. Freedom from moderate or severe mitral regurgitation or mitral valve replacement at last echocardiogram was 86.4% vs. 73.5% at 10 years, P=0.97. Patients undergoing robotic endoscopic mitral repair had a significantly longer CPB run when compared to the classic endoscopic cohort, with 148 min of CPB in the robotic endoscopic cohort compared to 133 min in the classic endoscopic group, P=0.03. Overall post-operative length of stay was not statistically significant between the robotic endoscopic and classic endoscopic groups, 6.3±0.5 and 6.0±0.3 days, respectively. No patients in either cohort developed renal failure or wound infection. The classic endoscopic group had a slightly higher risk of prolonged ventilation when compared to the robotic endoscopic group, with three classic endoscopic patients remaining intubated >8 hours post-operatively, compared to a single patient in the robotic endoscopic group. There were no unplanned reoperations in either group. Rates of postoperative stroke were comparable between groups (three in the classic endoscopic cohort, and two in the robotic endoscopic cohort). Conclusions: Index mitral valve surgery via a classic endoscopic approach yields similar clinical outcomes when compared to robotic endoscopic surgery. We demonstrate that both classic endoscopic and robotic endoscopic approaches allow repair of degenerative mitral valves with excellent short- and medium-term outcomes in a tertiary referral center.
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OBJECTIVES: Quaternary care centres have an imperative to serve as hospitals of last resort and must also meet professional quality targets. We developed a high-risk committee (HRC) to evaluate cases meeting pre-defined predicted risk cut-offs as a part of an overall quality improvement drive. METHODS: We describe the structure, outcomes and effects of the Penn HRC. Using propensity-matching, we investigated whether the committee modifies or screens risk. We used multivariable analysis to examine the impact of unmeasured variables on clinical outcomes in this cohort. RESULTS: Institutional predicted and observed mortality had already been in decline prior to HRC institution in 2017, due to a multi-faceted quality improvement initiative. Between 2017 and 2020, the HRC discussed 205 patients with a median predicted risk of mortality of 10.6% (range 0.4-66%). Coronary artery bypass grafting was the most commonly presented operation. A total of 155 patients underwent operation (risk 10.3%), 12 had surgery deferred for optimization (risk 6%), 50 had surgery declined (risk 11.7%) and 12 patients had a deferred decision for further investigation. Overall 30-day survival was 86% for the entire cohort and 89% for operated patients. A matched analysis of similar patients prior to and following the HRC showed that the HRC did not directly modify outcomes. Most patients had better than expected survival (observed:expected mortality < 1). Predicted risk did not predict 30-day mortality among this high-risk cohort. CONCLUSIONS: HRCs serve as an important element in quality improvement by encouraging a thoughtful approach and channelling the collective experience of a group of senior surgeons. It may improve patient selection by identifying a cohort with extremely poor survival, while allowing safe operation with acceptable outcomes among a group with very high operative risk.