Partial left ventriculectomy (the Batista procedure)

Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of partial left ventriculectomy (PLV) does not appear adequate for this procedure to be used without special arrangements for consent and for audit or research.

Clinicians wishing to undertake PLV should take the following action.

• Inform the clinical governance leads in their Trusts.

• Ensure that patients understand the uncertainty about the procedure's safety and efficacy and provide them with clear written information. Use of NICE's information for the public is recommended.

• Audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients having PLV. Publication of safety and efficacy outcomes will be useful in reducing the current uncertainty. NICE may review the procedure upon publication of further evidence.

This is a radical treatment for very ill patients that should only be considered in centres where alternative treatments for severe heart failure are available.