CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY IN END-STAGE RENAL FAILURE

Five patients in end-stage irreversible renal failure required surgery for major cardiovascular problems. Two patients underwent emergency pericardiectomy for relief of cardiac tamponade, one had an aortic arch aneurysm wrapped with a tailored synthetic graft, and two underwent prosthetic heart valve replacement. Cardiovascular surgery can be performed safely in the face of severe renal failure if the proper teamwork and facilities are available. © 1968, American Medical Association. All rights reserved.