In Memoriam: Professor Marc R. de Leval (April 16, 1941-June 26, 2022) - a tribute

This manuscript is a personal tribute to Professor Marc de Leval from two of his colleagues: Professor Martin J. Elliott and Professor John E. Deanfield. As stated by the authors: Marc's career history is presented in the accompanying eulogy from the current Heart & Lung Team at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), allowing us to highlightMarc's personal qualities that made him such an inspirational colleague. : : : Marc was, as we have said, the cardiologist's surgeon. He was also the surgeon's cardiologist, bridging the two disciplines and fusing the team. He was delighted by the advent of interventional cardiology and did not see it as a threat or competition, but instead, as appropriate for the well-being of his patients. He recognised how traumatic surgery could be for patients and their families and sought to avoid itwhenever possible by alternative treatments. Marc will be remembered with love and admiration by his many patients and their families, whose lives he changed. His technical skill, energy, devotion, humour, intellect and influence will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.

Automated summary

This manuscript is a personal tribute to Professor Marc de Leval from two of his colleagues, highlighting his personal qualities and career history. Marc was not only a cardiologist's surgeon, but also a surgeon's cardiologist, bridging the two disciplines and prioritizing the well-being of his patients. He aimed to minimize the need for surgery and embraced interventional cardiology as a beneficial approach.