Key Questions in Congenital Cardiac Surgery

This book will systematically cover all the main topics involved in the current practice of a congenital cardiac surgeon. It will incorporate current guidelines for practice (such as from the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, British Paediatric Cardiac Association and European Society of Cardiology) and up-to-date information based on current literature. Each chapter will include the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, indications for surgery, peri-operative management, surgical options and postoperative care. Possible complications will be discussed and the results of current practice presented. Importantly, there will be a section on basic sciences and congenital cardiac investigations with many images. The data and body of knowledge is strictly evidence-based and is relevant to all congenital cardiac surgical trainees, at any stage of their training programme. It will provide residents, fellows and specialist registrars the necessary information to carry out their daily duties. Congenital cardiologists and pediatric cardiac intensive care unit specialists will also find the book useful. Another important group is the nursing staff, physiotherapists and other professions allied to medicine working with patients with congenital cardiac disease either pre-operatively or postoperatively, as it will help to give a detailed understanding of the principles surrounding congenital cardiac surgical disease. Most importantly, the book is ideal as a revision aid for residents/registrars undertaking their Cardiothoracic Surgery Board examinations around the world. Although these examinations vary in format in different countries, this book is applicable to all cardiothoracic surgical trainees. Its concise, yet complete coverage of the important topics, make it the ideal guide to answer the key questions in congenital cardiac surgery that are asked within the confines of an examination.