Dr. Kaiser, author of one of the leading textbooks in the field ("Mastery of Cardiothoracic Surgery") together with his colleague, Dr. Singhal, have written a mini-textbook of essential information for residents and junior attendings. The focus is on practical, "what you need to know" information; only the most relevant references are included for further reading and, of these, the most pertinent are highlighted for the reader's attention. Written...