Mr Bilal Kirmani
Responsibilities at LHCH
- Consultant Cardiac Surgeon
- Clinical supervisor
- Educational supervisor
- Clinical mentor
- Cardiac Advanced Life Support Course Lead
Area of Practice
- Adult Cardiac Surgery
- Aortic valve replacement
- Off-pump (beating heart) coronary artery bypass grafting
- Arterial revascularisation
- Mitral and tricuspid valve surgery
- AF ablation
Special Clinical Interests
- Total arterial revascularisation
- Atrial Fibrillation Surgery (including Cox Maze IV cryoablation, radiofrequency Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) and Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion)
Research Interests
- Outcomes in minimally invasive surgery including endoscopic vein harvesting
- Outcomes in off-pump coronary artery surgery
- Risk stratification in cardiac surgery
Current Membership of Professional Regional and National Bodies
Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS CTh)
Society of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland
European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery
Languages Spoken
English
Why choose LHCH?
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital is the largest standalone cardiothoracic surgical centre in the country. It has achieved countless accolades over the last ten years by constant innovation and investment in new technologies. We’re well placed to offer a broad range of surgical options here and have several specialist teams who work closely with each other to ensure that you get the expert care you need, no matter what your condition.
Training and Education
BSc (Honours), St Andrews University
MBChB, University of Manchester
PGCert (Med Ed), Edge Hill University
MRCS, Royal College of Surgeons of England
FRCS (CTh), Royal College of Surgeons of England
My clinical training in cardiac surgery was predominantly in the North West and Mersey region, although I also spent one year in Cambridge during my registrar training.
I won the PPP Healthcare Award as a medical student which funded a one year laboratory research honours programme during my medical training. In 2016 I won the Johnson and Johnson Royal College of Surgeons Lister Essay Prize Medal.
Following the completion of my training and having been appointed as a consultant at my alma mater in Liverpool, I undertook a 6 month fellowship in minimally invasive cardiac surgery at Blackpool Victoria Hospital. This was funded by a scholarship from Edwards LifeSciences.
About you
I am married to a gynaecological oncology surgeon.
My interests including hiking, skiing, triathlons, photography and cooking.
I am a Mac enthusiast and enjoy coding and graphic design.
Publications
Peer Reviewed Publications
1. The impact of obesity and bariatric surgery on circulating and tissue biomarkers of endometrial cancer risk.
MacKintosh ML, Derbyshire AE, McVey RJ, Bolton J, Nickkho-Amiry M, Higgins CL, Kamieniorz M, Pemberton PW, Kirmani BH, Ahmed B, Syed AA, Ammori BJ, Renehan AG, Kitchener HC, Crosbie EJ.
Int J Cancer. 2019 Feb 1;144(3):641-650
2. Long term and disease-free survival following surgical resection of occult N2 lung cancer.
Kirmani BH, Volpi S, Aresu G, Peryt A, Win T, Coonar AS.
J Thorac Dis. 2018 Aug;10(8):4806-4811
3. Five-Year Outcomes after On-Pump and Off-Pump Coronary-Artery Bypass.
Jones SG, Pullan MD, Kirmani BH.
N Engl J Med. 2017 Nov 9;377(19):1896-7
4. Conversion after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: where are the quality markers?
Kirmani BH, Muir AD, Poullis MP, Pullan DM
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2017 Oct; 52(4): 829-830
5. Limited versus full sternotomy for aortic valve replacement
Kirmani BH, Jones SG, Malaisrie SC, Chung DA, Williams RJ
Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Apr 10;4:CD011793.
6. Long-Term Survival and Freedom from Reintervention Following Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Propensity Matched Study
Kirmani, Holmes, Muir
Circulation. 2016 Oct 25;134(17):1209-1220
7. Platelet Function Testing in Cardiac Surgery: A Comparative Study of Electrical Impedance Aggregometry and Thromboelastography
Kirmani, Johnson, Agarwal
Platelets. 2017 Feb 21:1-5
8. Long Term Survival After Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Kirmani, Brazier, Sriskandarajah, Alshawabkeh, Gurung, Azzam, Keenan, Hasan, Abunasra
Ann Thorac Surg. 2016;102(1):22-7
9. Limited versus full sternotomy for aortic valve replacement (Cochrane Review Protocol)
Kirmani, Jones, Chung, Williams, Malaisrie
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015:8
10. A meta-analysis of platelet gel for prevention of sternal wound infections following cardiac surgery
Kirmani, Jones, Datta, McLaughlin, Hoschtitzky
Blood Transfusion, 2015; 28:1-9
11. A meta-analysis of computerised tomography scan for reducing complications following repeat sternotomy for cardiac surgery
Kirmani, Brazier, Sriskandarajah, Azzam, Keenan
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, 2015;22(4):472-9
12. Systolic anterior motion obstructing the pulmonary outflow tract following tricuspid replacement
Kirmani, Moideen, Fernandez-Jimenez, Bewsher, Dua, Jenkins, Hoschtitzky
Annals Thor Surg, 2015; 101(4):1580-1
13. Acute gastric obstruction following cardiopulmonary bypass in a patient with an adjustable gastric band
Azzam, Abdelbar, Brazier, Kirmani, Hasan
J Cardiothoracic Surg 2015; 16(10) Suppl 1:A170
14. Critical care admissions in a cardiothoracic hospital: Mortality in patients aged over 80 years
Quarterman, Kirmani, Al-Rawi
J Intensive Care Soc, 2015; 16(2): 109-113
15. Pre- and Post-Bypass Platelet Function Testing with Multiple Electrode Aggregometry and TEG Platelet Mapping in Cardiac Surgery
Agarwal, Johnson, Kirmani
J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth, 2015; 29(5):1272-6
16. Left ventricular apical masses: distinguishing benign tumours from apical thrombi
Kirmani, Binukrishnan, Gosney, Pullan
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg, 2015;49(2):701-3
17. CT scan does not predict optimal debulking in stage III-IV epithelial ovarian cancer: A multicentre validation study.
Mackintosh, Rahim, Rajashanker, Swindell, Kirmani, Hunt, Brockbank, Barton, Clayton
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2014;34(5):424-8
18. The effect of patient sex on survival in patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass surgery receiving a radial artery
Pullan, Kirmani, Conley, Shaw, McShane, Poullis
European Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 2014;47(2):324-30
19. Should obese patients undergo on- or off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting?
Pullan, Kirmani, Conley, Shaw, McShane, Poullis
European Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 2014;47(2):309-15
20. Should dialysis-dependent patients with upper limb arterio-venous fistulae undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting avoid having ipsilateral in situ mammary artery grafts?
Cuthbert, Kirmani, Muir
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, 2014;18(5):655-60
21. External Validity of the STS 2008 Risk Calculator for Deep Sternal Wound Infection
Kirmani, Mazhar, Saleh, Ward, Shaw, Fabri, Pullan
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, 2013;17(3):479-84
22. Thoracotomy versus VATS: is there an optimal approach to treating pneumothorax?
Joshi, Kirmani, Zacharias
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2012; 94
23. Comparison Of The EuroSCORE II And Society Of Thoracic Surgeons 2008 Risk Tools
Kirmani, Mazhar, Fabri, Pullan
European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery 2012;44(6):999-1005
24. Stage Migration: Results of Lymph Node Dissection In The Era of Modern Imaging and Invasive Staging For Lung Cancer
Kirmani, Rintoul, Win, Magee, Magee, Choong, Wells, Coonar
European Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery. 2012; 43(1):104-9
25. Three-dimensional Computerised Tomography Reconstruction of Superficial and Deep Thoracic Venous Drainage
Kirmani, Qureshi, Constant, Coonar
Heart, Lung and Circulation. 2011;20(10):671-2
26. Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: An unusual cause of intermittent raised hemidiaphragm?
Kirmani, Dobson, Zacharias
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2011 (141):e27-28
27. Does the learning curve have to affect endoscopic vein outcomes?
Kirmani and Zacharias
Ann Thorac Surg. 2010; 90(5):1743
28. Should asymptomatic bronchogenic cysts be treated conservatively or with surgery?
Kirmani, Kirmani and Sogliani
Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2010; 11(5):649-59
29. Mid-term outcomes for Endoscopic versus Open Vein Harvest: a case control study
Kirmani, Barnard, Mourad, Blakeman, Chetcuti and Zacharias
J Cardiothorac Surg. 2010; 28(5):44
Invited Reviews/Videos
1. Valve Sparing Root Replacement for Aneurysm of Sinus Valsalva in Alagille Syndrome
Hoschtitzsky, Kirmani
VuMedi – online video
2. Pneumothorax and insertion of chest drains
Kirmani, Page
Surgery (2014) – 32(5):272-275
3. Insertion of a chest drain for pneumothorax
Kirmani, Zacharias
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine. (2011) 12:12
Chapters/Books / Dissertation
1. SCTS Ionescu University Perspectives in Cardiac Surgery
Kirmani (Cardiac Section Editor)
In print 2019
2. Lung Cancer Staging (Chapter in Core Topics in Thoracic Surgery)
Kirmani, Coonar
ISBN 9781107036109
3. The Cardiac Advanced Life Support Manual 2nd Edition
Kirmani, Ley, Bartley, Strang, Levine, Dunning
ISBN 9781471000300
4. East Lancashire Medical Protocols Handbook Directorate Handbook
Varia, Kirmani, MacKintosh
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Nov 2007
4. Nephropathy and Osteopenia in Diabetes Mellitus
Kirmani
Dissertation for BSc (Med Sci) St Andrews University, Jan 2002
International Presentations
1. Retrograde Arterial Flow In Septuagenarian Aortae From Femoral Cannulation Does Not Increase Peri-operative Embolic Events
Kirmani, Rajnish, Zacharias
International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS),Vancouver, Jun 2018
2. Long Term Survival Following Endoscopic Vein Harvest For Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Kirmani, Powers, Pennington, Keegan, Knight, Bittar, Zacharias
International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS),Vancouver, Jun 2018
3. Long-term survival following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Kirmani, Sriskandarajah, Azzam, Brazier, Hasan, Abunasra
European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Amsterdam, October 2015
4. VATS Pericardial Patch Insulation for Phrenic Nerve Stimulation following CRT
Kirmani, Mediratta, Toolan, McKevith, Wright, Rao
International Academy of Cardiology 19th World Congress, Boston, July 2014
5. Should patients undergoing lung resection without epidural be routinely catheterised?
Kirmani, Conley, McShane, Shackcloth
European Society of Thoracic Surgeons Conference, Birmingham, May 2013
6. Comparison Of The EuroSCORE II And Society Of Thoracic Surgeons 2008 Risk Tools
Kirmani, Mazhar, Fabri, Pullan
European Association of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons, Barcelona, October 2012
7. Endoscopic Vein Harvesting does not affect mid-term outcomes
Kirmani, Barnard, Mourad, Blakeman, Chetcuti & Zacharias
International Society for Minimally Invasive Cardiothoracic Surgery (ISMICS), Berlin, June 2010
8. Thoracic Trauma: A 14 year experience in the UK
Kirmani & Sogliani
International Trauma Conference, Manchester, Oct 2009
National & Regional Presentations
1. Minimally Invasive vs Open Aortic Valve Replacement
Kirmani
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI) University, Glasgow, March 2018
2. Does the interval between myocardial infarction and revascularisation influence long term survival?
Kirmani, Pennington, Keegan, Knight, Bittar
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI) University, Glasgow, March 2018
3. Can you start a program without a learning curve in minimally invasive cardiac surgery?
Kirmani, Saravanan, Knowles, Zacharias
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI) University, Glasgow, March 2018
4. Long term survival following Endoscopic Vein Harvest for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Kirmani, Powers, Pennington, Keegan, Knight, Bittar, Zacharias
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI) University, Glasgow, March 2018
5. Long term survival for patients suffering CVA post CABG surgery. A single institution 21-year data analysis.
Kirmani, Pennington, Keegan, Knight, Bittar
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI) University, Glasgow, March 2018
6. Multidisciplinary care of a patient with multiple co-morbidities requiring aortovascular surgery
Kirmani, Jafazadeh, Desmond, Brennan, Eldridge, Greenwood, Field
Royal Society of Medicine, Presidents Day, Surgery Section, London June 2016
7. Does number of grafts matter? Long term survival and freedom from re-intervention is not different between off-pump and on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
Kirmani, Pilkington, Muir
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI), Birmingham, March 2016
8. Platelet Function Testing following cardiopulmonary bypass
Kirmani, Johnson, Agarwal
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI), Manchester, March 2015
9. Mini AVR: a surgeon and institutional learning curve
Sudarshan, Umakumar, Kirmani, Williams
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI), Manchester, March 2015
10. Generic tools for risk stratification in cardiac surgery
Kirmani, Quarterman, Shaw, Jones, Williams, Agarwal
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI), Manchester, March 2015
11. Cardiac Surgery and critical care in Octogenarians
Quarterman, Kirmani, Al-Rawi
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI), Manchester, March 2015
12. Video assisted thoracoscopic excision of mediastinal parathyroid adenoma
Kirmani, Shackcloth, Woolley
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI), Brighton, April 2013
13. Standardising the Consent Process for Cardiac Surgery: A prospective study comparing the current Department of Health informed consent form with a modified, pre-printed consent form.
Krishnamoorthy, Yap, Porter, Mohammed, Kirmani, Critchley, Koumallos, White, Waterworth
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI), Brighton, April 2013
14. VATS excision of a paravertebral mass
Love, Kirmani, Shackcloth, Woolley
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI), Brighton, April 2013
15. How we do it: Surgical techniques in the MesoVATS Trial
Kirmani, Scarci, Coonar
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (SCTSGBI), Manchester, April 2012
16. Stage migration: Lymph Node Dissection In The Era Of Modern Imaging And Invasive Staging For Lung Cancer
Kirmani, Rintoul, Win, Magee, Magee, Choong, Wells & Coonar
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland (SCTSGBI), London, March 2011
17. Is open pleurectomy the best way to manage pneumothorax? A contemporaneous comparative study
Kirmani, Joshi & Zacharias
Society for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland (SCTSGBI), London, March 2011
18. Stage migration: Lymph Node Dissection In The Era Of Modern Imaging And Invasive Staging For Lung Cancer
Kirmani, Rintoul, Win, Magee, Magee, Choong, Wells & Coonar
British Thoracic Oncology Group (BTOG) Annual Meeting, Dublin, Jan 2011
19. Mesothelioma & MesoVATS
Kirmani, Rintoul & Coonar
Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary Meeting, Papworth, Dec 2010
20. The Trauma Liaison Service
Kirmani, Chan & Jones
Northwest Falls and Fractures Seminar, Mar 2008