Cardiothoracic nursing has undergone great change over the last decade. With the continuing improvement of surgical techniques, pharmacology and pre– and post–operative care, there have been many new initiatives and innovations in the nature and practice of this specialised sector of nursing. Rehabilitation and patient education are to name but a few of the areas where exciting new challenges and opportunities for cardiothoracic nurses have opened up. This book is a definitive and accessible text for cardiothoracic nurses. Written for nurses from a nursing perspective, it offers practical advice and information on all aspects of cardiothoracic surgical nursing and pays particular attention to the continuing developments cardiothoracic nurses must face.