RACHS-1
Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery: 6-category operative mortality risk stratification
RACHS-1 (Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery) classifies surgical complexity in pediatric congenital heart procedures into six categories, predicting perioperative mortality risk and enabling comparison of surgical outcomes across institutions. This risk stratification tool incorporates specific cardiac diagnoses and operations to assign expected mortality rates and guide preoperative counseling. Use this tool preoperatively in all children requiring congenital heart surgery to communicate operative risk, optimize preoperative preparation, and adjust postoperative monitoring intensity.
Clinically Verified· 5 testsFor educational and informational purposes only. Verify all results before clinical application.
References
- Jenkins KJ, et al. Consensus-based method for risk adjustment for surgery for congenital heart disease. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2002;123(1):110-118.[DOI]
Reviewed by Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD · Last updated March 2026
Medical disclaimer
This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional clinical judgment. Always independently verify results before making clinical decisions.