This episode introduces the principles of cardiac surgery, a discipline defined by precision, teamwork, and high-stakes decision-making. Listeners are guided through the surgical management of coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, congenital cardiac abnormalities, and diseases of the great vessels.

The discussion explores patient selection, preoperative optimisation, cardiopulmonary bypass, myocardial protection, and postoperative care in the intensive setting. Emphasis is placed on understanding cardiac physiology, risk stratification, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration between surgeons, cardiologists, anaesthetists, and perfusionists.

This chapter reminds clinicians that cardiac surgery is as much about systems and preparation as it is about technical execution — where outcomes depend on anticipation, coordination, and respect for physiological limits.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drmanaankarray.substack.com/subscribe