The development of new techniques and the refinement of established procedures make cardiac surgery a fast-moving field. Core concepts in cardiac surgery has been developed to make it an invaluable textbook for the professional cardiac and cardiothoracic surgeon, covering both topical issues and updates in cardiac surgery. This provides the practising cardiac surgeon with current updates in the field, and controversial issues that affect everyday practice. Written by an international team of renowned cardiac surgeons, each topic is split into a review of the current literature and then important technical details. Their wealth of professional experience has been distilled into tips and common pitfalls in practice throughout the book. Extensively illustrated with full-colour photographs and artwork to facilitate understanding of complex procedures, Core concepts in cardiac surgery is also available on a companion website, to allow the authors to update the text regularly to reflect developments in the discipline.