In the brief span of 100 years since Rhen performed the 1st successful heart operation in Frankfurt (1897), the field of cardiac surgery has sustained extraordinary growth, resulting in some of the most spectacular medical accomplishments of the 20th century. In Landmarks in Cardiac Surgery, Stephen Westaby chronicles the remarkable progress of this specialty from its beginning up to the present time.
From the earliest attempts to repair wounds of the heart and the pioneering procedures for patent ductus ligation and coarctation repair, to the development of modern open heart procedures for intracardiac repair, valve replacement, and cardiac transplantation, the evolutionary progress in this specialty has been marked by spectacular successes as well as dramatic failures. Behind each development is a stirring account of extraordinary characters who faced difficult challenges with courage and persistence. Each pioneer experienced adversity and disappointment along with great achievement.
In Landmarks of Cardiac Surgery, Westaby portrays the developments in cardiac surgery in a chronological narrative that is both enjoyable and highly readable. He describes each pioneer in historical context, drawing on personalized case histories and interesting anecdotes, and he recounts each surgical contribution and its outcome and provides relevant observations about its significance. The narrative is supplemented by footnotes that contain quotations by prominent contemporary observers and the pioneers themselves. Each section of the book is followed by a compendium of interesting biographical sketches. The book is brought to life by historic photographs of the pioneers of cardiac surgery and their patients, operative illustrations, and landmark manuscripts. The text also provides a valuable reference library by including an appendix of 52 original articles that describe the historic contributions to the literature.
This book provides an excellent summary of the highlights in the evolution of cardiac surgery, beginning in antiquity and progressing up to modern discoveries. The chapter on the foundations of cardiac surgery begins with the 1st concepts of the heart and circulation and describes progress in medicine through the discoveries of the 18th and 19th century. The chapter that recounts the development of cardiopulmonary bypass and myocardial protection describes the fascinating story of John Gibbon's lifelong pursuit of the 1st heart-lung machine, as well as the pioneering attempts to use hypothermia and cross-circulation for open heart surgery. Westaby also chronicles the landmark contributions of Gross, Crafoord, Blalock, and Kirklin, who laid the foundation for successful correction of congenital heart disease. The story of Bailey's desperate attempts at closed mitral valvotomy is vividly recounted, as is the remarkable development of mechanical and biologic valves for replacement surgery. Westaby's account of the pioneering procedures for coronary artery disease shows the insight and perseverance of early surgeons in their attempts at coronary revascularization. The history of early surgical procedures for thoracic aortic aneurysm shows how bold advances were made by Cooley, Crawford, and DeBakey in the treatment of this lethal disorder. Chapters on cardiac transplantation and mechanical circulatory support reveal with fascinating insight the development of this revolutionary treatment for end-stage heart disease. West-aby's narrative provides both historical accuracy and a penetrating perspective of the drama unfolding with each discovery.
The important contributions of early pioneers recounted in this text should be of great interest to cardiac surgeons, cardiologists, and students of medical history alike. Stephen Westaby is to be commended for providing an authoritative reference in an easily readable book.