Summary
This paper summarizes the opinions of 20 representatives of well-known European centers for adult and pediatric thoracic and cardiovascular surgery regarding the optimal structure and organization of such units. These opinions were collected by means of a questionnaire, and the answers were discussed by the members of the group. Statistical analysis showed a high degree of concordance on the following subjects: The population to be covered by a given center, the relationship between cardiac surgery and cardiology, the minimal number of operations to be performed, the surgical, anaesthesiological and nursing staff, the equipment level required, the surgical training and research, and the cooperation with other centers. Partial concordance of opinions was reached in other aspects, while on some topics widely divergent views were stated, depending, in part,upon regional differences. This material is discussed in detail and we hope it will serve as a guide for the future development in this field both within and outside of Europe.
Key-Words:
Organization - Facilities - Staffing - Structure - Training - Cardiac surgery
