The view from the interventionalist.

Abstract

The development of percutaneous valve replacement has broadened the procedural interface between interventional cardiologists and their cardiothoracic surgical colleagues. Our relationship is no longer restricted to the arena of coronary artery disease, and opportunities now exist to share the care of large numbers of high surgical risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. These complex professional relationships have a mutual dependence and many shared objectives that should be centred upon the optimal care of cardiac patients. However, the continuing evolution of technology demands that these relationships evolve with time. A failure to understand this need for mutual change and increased cooperation has previously led to a sense of competition and Departmental separation between cardiac intervention and surgery. These fractured relationships ultimately limit the quality of care that we deliver to our patients.