Paragraph 1: General conditions

Full-time inpatient cardiac surgery units have a sufficient number of dedicated beds to be able to care for cardiac surgery patients at all times. Protocols are agreed between the medical managers of the cardiac surgery units and the intensive care units on the provision of an adequate number of intensive care beds and on the procedures for managing cardiac surgery patients.

The medical and paramedical staff involved in cardiac surgery include : 1° At least two surgeons, holding a diploma of complementary specialised studies in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery or competent in thoracic surgery and, for surgery on complex congenital heart disease in adults, the collaboration of a surgeon trained or with experience in surgery on congenital heart disease in accordance with the procedures specified by order of the Minister for…

The protected interventional unit has : 1° At least two protected intervention rooms dedicated to cardiac surgery, of a size compatible with the level of equipment and operating conditions required, each equipped with extracorporeal blood circulation equipment fitted with alarm and parameter monitoring systems and with blood recovery equipment; 2° At least one protected intervention room equipped with image guidance equipment and enabling radio-guided intervention and surgery to be performed…

The authorisation holder ensures that data from professional practices is collected and analysed with a view to improving practices and managing risks. The medical team mentioned in 1° of article D. 6124-122 fills in the professional practice observation registers mentioned in 3° of article D. 4021-2-1, as soon as these registers are operational.

Cardiac surgery requires : 1° On the same site, echocardiography, transthoracic echography, transoesophageal echography and digital angiography equipment, usable and accessible at all times for the cardiac surgery activity; 2° A medical biology analysis laboratory capable of carrying out the tests required for cardiac surgery, either located on the same site or linked by agreement; test results, particularly those relating to haemostasis and blood gases, must be accessible within a…

The operating theatre has : 1° At least two aseptic operating theatres dedicated to cardiac surgery, of a size compatible with the level of equipment and operating conditions required, each equipped with extracorporeal blood circulation apparatus fitted with alarm and parameter monitoring systems and with blood recovery apparatus ; 2° A cardio-circulatory assistance device, immediately accessible; 3° An aseptic room reserved for storing extracorporeal blood circulation equipment.