Asking the anesthesiologists and the OR nurses who is the best surgeon for an operation is the only safe way to pick a surgeon. They are the only ones who can separate between who is nice, who would be fun to go out with and who can get the patient out of the OR in one piece.
Cardiac surgeons involved in long cases should learn from our anesthesia colleagues and ask for another surgeon to come help us (or even temporarily take the case over) when things get tough. It is not a sign of weakness (unless the ego is fragile) and it is good for the patient.