Hensleys Practical Approach to Cardiothoracic Anesthesia

Hensleys Practical Approach to Cardiothoracic Anesthesia is a comprehensive, clinically oriented handbook designed to guide anesthesiologists, trainees, and perioperative clinicians in the safe and effective management of patients undergoing cardiac and thoracic surgery. Written in a concise, practical style, this book emphasizes real-world application and bedside usability.

The text begins with a review of cardiovascular and pulmonary physiology relevant to cardiothoracic anesthesia. Key concepts such as ventricular function, pulmonary mechanics, gas exchange, and hemodynamic interactions are explained in a clinically applicable manner, providing the foundation for safe anesthetic planning.

The book covers anesthesia management for a wide range of cardiac procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair and replacement, congenital heart surgery, aortic surgery, and heart transplantation. For each procedure, the book details preoperative evaluation, intraoperative anesthetic considerations, monitoring strategies, and postoperative care, ensuring a comprehensive approach to perioperative management.

Equally important is the coverage of thoracic surgery, including lung resections, esophageal procedures, mediastinal surgery, and minimally invasive thoracic interventions. Specific considerations such as one-lung ventilation, pulmonary hypertension, and respiratory mechanics are addressed with practical guidance for safe anesthesia delivery.

Practical perioperative guidance forms the core of this book. Topics include airway management, vascular access, invasive monitoring, hemodynamic optimization, blood conservation, analgesia, and management of perioperative complications. The book also emphasizes decision-making in high-risk patients, including those with complex comorbidities, advanced age, or critical illness.

Illustrations, tables, and algorithms are used extensively to enhance comprehension and facilitate rapid bedside reference. Clinical pearls and step-by-step procedural tips help clinicians translate theory into practice. Special emphasis is placed on anticipating complications, recognizing intraoperative challenges, and applying evidence-based strategies for their management.

Key features include:

• Step-by-step guidance for cardiac and thoracic anesthesia

• Practical perioperative management strategies

• Coverage of complex congenital and adult cardiac procedures

• Focus on hemodynamic and respiratory optimization

• Quick-reference tables, algorithms, and clinical tips

The book’s writing style is concise, clinically focused, and easy to navigate, making it suitable for anesthesiology residents, fellows in cardiothoracic anesthesia, and practicing clinicians who need a reliable reference during operative and critical care situations.

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