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.