Providing an easily readable source of information about the current spectrum of anesthesia and critical care management of patients undergoing thoracic surgery, this book forms part of the successful Core Topics brand. The book provides practical assistance to those commencing careers in thoracic anesthesia and will also to be a useful aide-memoire to those already working in the field. The comprehensive content includes discussion of some of the more contentious issues in the management of thoracic patients as well as giving a flavour of the rapid evolution of new techniques that are of increasing importance in the field, such as lung-assist devices, different modes of ventilation and VAT surgery. Both editors are practising cardiothoracic anesthetists/intensivists at an internationally recognized centre for thoracic surgery, particularly lung transplantation. The contributors are chosen for their clinical expertise and to give a spectrum of opinion across the range of thoracic anesthesia.