urgery has been impressive during the past two decades. Surgeons from many countries have accumulated outstanding experiences which are both unique and varied. With the aim of promoting international exchange of scientific and technical accomplishments in cardiothoracic surgery, we began in 1982 to consult with a number of leading cardiothoracic surgeons about compiling a book that would permit them to present their expertise. Through the untiring efforts of all the authors and sectional editors during the past three years, International Practice in Cardiothoracic Surgery is now published, both in an English language edition and in a Chinese language edition. There are one hundred and eleven chapters in eight sections, contributed by over a hundred authors from Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Finland, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States of America. This book is not intended to be a textbook but a compilation of current views and tech nics from cardiothoracic surgeons with unique experiences who have made significant con tributions in certain subjects. No uniformity in format was requested. A certain amount f overlapping and even conflicting ideas are purposely collected to express the interna tional character of the book. We appreciate the warm support, cooperation, and hard work of all the authors, trans lators, sectional editors, and secretarial workers in completing the book.