Drs. Gibbon, Sabiston, and Spencer, with the collaboration of 48 outstanding authorities, have succeeded admirably in producing the most complete and definitive work to date in the field of thoracic and cardiac surgery. Compared to the first edition of this text published 6 1/2 years ago, the changes and additions reflect the trend in the entire field with more emphasis on cardiorespiratory physiology and on cardiac surgery. Of the 42 chapters in the current edition, 15 have been retained and updated by their original authors. These are primarily in the area of pulmonary and esophageal surgery, the chest wall, and general patient care. The chapter on special diagnostic procedures in cardiac surgery has been expanded to include the latest techniques.
Twenty-seven chapters of this book are either entirely new or have been written by new authors. Chapters on cardiorespiratory dynamics, extracorporeal circulation, and hypothermia are all outstanding for their comprehensive