The authors have written an easily accessible pocket manual for those of the front lines who must learn to assimilate data, interpret their significance and make critical decisions. They must have instant access to information and should know what to do, when, and why. The book is arranged in 3 sections: the first deals with preoperative considerations and then discusses the management of problems in the intensive care unit. Important aspects of continuing care and complications of other organ systems are then discussed. The second section is devoted to pediatric heart surgery, deliniating the unique aspects of the care of the pediatric patient. A brief discussion of operative procedures for a variety of defects is provided to facillitate understanding of concepts of care for patients with lesions of varying physiology. The third