The Oxford Specialist Handbook series provides readers with clear, concise information on all that is needed to successfully train in the medical sub-specialties. Each book is designed to give an overview of clearly defined procedures, skills, guidelines, and technologies, and provide practical tips and case studies to supplement hands-on experience.This book provides accessible, clear guidelines on cardiac anaesthesia. It is divided into three distinct sections. The first section covers the scientific basis of cardiac anaesthesia: anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. The second section is organized by organ system. It includes all of the implications of cardiac surgery for the major organ systems while emphasizing post-operative sequelae. The aim is to avoid repetition by incorporating within each organ topic the information which is common to different groups of patients or types of surgery. Diverse topics are linked together in a rational and logical way by linking them to the underlying organ system. The third section covers clinical practice and is organized by the type of surgery or surgical condition. This facilitates rapid and easy access to clinical management plans for any particular type of patient.