Management of Liver Cirrhosis in Percutaneous and Surgical Cardiac Interventions

The systemic impairment that accompanies liver cirrhosis is known to carry a significant burden on death and postoperative complications in cardiovascular interventions. This review analyzes the impact of liver cirrhosis on short- and long-term outcomes after cardiac surgery and percutaneous procedures, providing an evidence-based guidance in the decision-making process and perioperative management of these patients. Several parameters should be considered by the heart teams when assessing eligibility, indications for intervention, and perioperative management of these patients. Life expectancy, long-term procedural outcomes, Child-Pugh or the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, presence of gastroesophageal varices and hepatic venous pressure gradient were extrapolated as the main determinants in decision making in patients with cirrhosis. Assessment and treatment of gastroesophageal varices is mandatory. Hepatic venous pressure gradient values >20 mm Hg preclude patients from a surgical approach. Considering the poor prognosis of advanced liver cirrhosis, futile treatments should be avoided. A multidimensional heart team approach involving surgical, cardiologic, anesthesiologic, hepatological, and medical considerations is recommended.