Book excerpt: Part of the Oxford Textbooks in Anaesthesia series, this title covers the anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, post-operative complications, critical care, and all clinical aspects of cardiac and thoracic anaesthesia. Practical aspects, such as team working, and designing and equipping cardiothoracic theatre and critical care, are also included. The expert and international author team use their experience to ensure this title reflects current world-wide practice across the globe.