Stephen Westaby - Fragile Lives.

Stephen Westaby - Fragile Lives. Stories of a cardiac surgeon about a profession where there is no place for doubt and fear The book was written by one of the most famous cardiac surgeons of our time - Professor Stephen Westaby, who developed and for the first time in the world applied a number of technical devices for thoracic surgery. Among them are implantable heart-lung machines – artificial hearts. Throughout the narrative, autobiographical episodes are closely intertwined with descriptions of interesting clinical cases. The professor candidly talks about the difficulties of emergency operations, about the incredible emotional burden and the need to confront both illiterate colleagues and the economy-oriented healthcare system. Dr. Westaby describes medical stories with infinite respect for patients who, together with pioneering doctors, opened the way to extending the life of others. Through the attempt to justify the “heartlessness” of the surgeon, the strongest ability to empathize breaks through - one of the most powerful incentives for the successful movement of the surgeon forward. Working with children requires special courage and indifference: to make an incision in order to save.