EuroSCORE II 2.0

EuroSCORE, which stands for European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation, serves as a critical tool in predicting mortality associated with cardiac surgery by identifying several significant risk factors. The initial EuroSCORE calculator was introduced in 1999, based on an extensive international database of patients undergoing cardiac procedures. Subsequently, the EuroSCORE II calculator was unveiled on October 3, 2011, during a meeting of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery in Lisbon.

Globally recognized, the original EuroSCORE calculator is extensively utilized for risk measurement and as a benchmark for evaluating cardiac surgical service quality. It boasts over 1300 formal citations in medical literature, underscoring its influence and importance in the field.

While the earlier additive and logistic versions of EuroSCORE have demonstrated strong discriminatory power, they are now recognized as having calibration inaccuracies. Nonetheless, there is ongoing evidence suggesting that refining and adjusting certain risk factors—such as renal dysfunction—could enhance predictive accuracy. In response to these findings, the EuroSCORE II calculator was formulated to better align with contemporary clinical practices.

It is important to note that the EuroSCORE II calculator is intended solely as an educational resource and should not replace the expert judgment of experienced cardiac surgeons and cardiologists. Clinical discretion is essential, particularly when rare risk facets are present. This risk model establishes a standardized measure against which units and surgeons may evaluate their performance relative to this benchmark. To provide patients with the best understanding of their individual risks, it is advisable to adjust the EuroSCORE II results according to the unit's specific outcomes. Ultimately, this application aims to facilitate informed discussions between patients, their families, and healthcare providers concerning potential outcomes following open-heart surgery.