Book excerpt: Cardiothoracic surgery is the medical specialty involved with the surgical treatment of organs within the thorax, principally, the heart, lungs, chest wall, esophagus and diaphragm. There are three major subspecialties of cardiothoracic surgery, namely, cardiac, thoracic and congenital. There are a variety of cardiothoracic surgeries and procedures. Angioplasty is a commonly used surgical procedure, which helps in the restoration of healthy blood flow to the heart. This is done by reopening the arteries that are narrowed by the accumulation of fatty plaque. Stent placement is another cardiothoracic surgical method that involves the placement of a small metal coil or tube to hold open the narrowed arteries. Some other surgical procedures and device implantations under cardiothoracic surgery are coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), heart valve repair or replacement, ventricular assist devices, heart transplant, carotid surgery, pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex advancements in the field of cardiothoracic surgery. It consists of contributions made by international experts. The book will serve as a valuable source of reference for graduate and post graduate students.