Despite all efforts and success in medical treatment, the incidence of (end-stage) chronic heart failure is increasing. Cardiac transplantation remains the only definite option; however, due to the shortage of donor organs, very few people benefit. Therefore, surgery of end-stage heart failure using conventional techniques has gained new interest after the introduction of the Batista operation. However, a clear surgical identification of the patients to be included in this group is lacking. Left ventricular reduction surgery as well as reduction of the base of the heart using mitral...