The Evolution of Cardiac Surgery

"This is a remarkably complete book with excellent references.... The book is extraordinarily rich in reference material documenting the evolution of one of the most high-profile, lifesaving forms of surgery."Â —Lawrence H. Cohn, M.D., New England Journal of Medicine

"Not only is the saga itself spectacular, but everything about the book is superb. The style is scholarly yet enteratining, while the format is elegant and pleasing.... All in all, the volume is one to savor, whether the reader simply browses or progresses straight from cover to cover.... ÂThe Evolution of Cardiac Surgery is an invaluable literary resource that will be a landmark for years to come." —Denton A. Cooley, MD, Texas Heart Institute Journal

"... scholarly and entertaining... immensely informative." —Terence English, Annals of Surgery

The first complete history of the development of heart surgery, from the observations of the ancient Greeks to the extraordinary advances of the present day. With the meticulous care of a surgeon, Shumacker discusses each innovative procedure, both the successes and the failures. He pays special attention to clarifying the individual contributions of the many doctors and researchers throughout the world who have played a role in this still-developing story.