This is a well-structured book of eleven sections sub-divided into sixty-six core topics. It has been written by a total of sixty two authors and compiled by the editors.
Each topic has been covered by individual authors, resulting in little need for cross-refering to other sections and topics. Careful editorial control has, however, prevented any overlap in topic content. This makes the book useful for a quick update in a particular topic, but remains an excellent read at section level. This ease of use is going to make this book a reference text for CICU nurses and non-cardiac anaesthetists everywhere.
Each topic is simply referenced from up-to-date peer-reviewed sources. Throughout the book, the ubiquitous use of well-labelled diagrams, photographs and clinical tracings adds understanding at every level. This, combined with text boxes for important information, distances this book from historical plain text only books. As a result, this book is a delight to use as a teaching device.
The target readers for this book are trainees in cardiac anaesthesia and critical care. I would extend this to perfusionists and all critical care trainees who may benefit from a good knowledge of the basis for anaesthetic care of these patients.
I agree with the authors that this book embraces the core topics in cardiac anaesthesia. The section and topics are laid out in a clear and logical sequence. By using so many authors, the editors have created a rare text that is without insititional bias or personal beliefs.
One of the reasons that this book is so comprehensive for this level is due to the invitations of surgeons, perfusionists and intensivists to be contributors. Their clear and focused input encourages knowledge of these areas that it is vital for trainees to gain. Historically, most of this knowledge could only be gained by huge amounts of experience and mentorship, but, given modern training styles and time constraints, this book will help bridge that gap.
Very useful sections and topics covering areas of modern practice that are increasing is size have been included, for example: cardiac intensive care, pain management and the impact of pregnancy to heart disease. More basic topics have been presented in a modern manner and contain factual reminders that will be of use to even the most senior anaesthetist. This reviewer found the paediatric cardiac surgery section enlightening as we come across more surviving adults with these circulations presenting for non-cardiac surgery across the country.
The authors state that the internet and larger textbooks may be for the more curious learner. I believe that this book is well written, up-to-date and yet has such a wide knowledge base that I would advise curious learners to save their time and money until they have absorbed all that this book has to offer!
I recommend this book not only to all trainees and practitioners, but to anaesthetic and critical care departments where it will act as a knowledge resource and excellent teaching tool.
