LAUSR

According to the Cambridge dictionary, ‘‘Heritage’’ are things (especially valuable things such as buildings, literature etc.) which are passed on from one generation to another. Hence, it is clear that the title of this compilation on history of Cardiac Surgery by Drs. Arkalgud Sampath Kumar and Gerald Rainer shows the reader what to expect. The authors are very senior surgeons who spent a lifetime career in Cardiac Surgery and witnessed the transition from the pioneering times to established and effective therapies inclusive of myocardial revascularization, all types of valve surgery, circulatory support and organ replacement, management of cardiovascular infection and correction of congenital defects among others. As they also say, youngsters do not currently tend to read history and therefore miss an important part of knowledge. Reading history helps to know the past and understand the present, aiming at develop the future. In a globally much-regulated professional and scientific environment as of today, many of the landmarks in medicine and surgery would not have been probably possible in earlier times. By going through these brief snapshots of the pioneers in all aspects of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, Drs. Kumar and Rainer summarize for us the major developments in our field of professional interest. It is quite comfortable and easy to navigate through this book, presented in a simple and comprehensive format. The reader can easily match the fact and the face in a matter of seconds. In addition, this facilitates the understanding of what one reads in textbooks or scientific journals. Heritage, as defined in the dictionary, also entails the understanding of courage at the time of attempting in the past specific medical acts that became breakthroughs and change practice. Surgery for correction of a congenital defect, transplantation, surgical revascularization of the ischemic myocardium, or the first usage of extracorporeal circulation, to name just a few, were mostly performed after years of laboratory or animal research with some resource restrictions and in facilities away from present day sophistication. At those times, translational research was not a priority but the pioneers’ resilience led to development and implementation of approaches and techniques, which helped to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from cardiothoracic and vascular disease. As this is a book of and on history, it is appropriate that a schematic review such as this would benefit from the input of the juniors. Those co-signing this brief review represent two generations that took profit from the experiences of the 109 individuals who contribute to the advancement of surgery. Although many may eventually miss some names in this compilation, most of the pioneering work was related to those pictured here. All were normal human beings, some had bad temper, some were highly respected teachers and mentors, and some were superbly skillful. Some are alive and many are gone. However, all have in common that they left something valuable for us, the professional community, which is now in a position to treat the patients better. This is a recommended book for all those interested in Cardiac Surgery regardless of age, experience or expertise.