A concise summary of the most important clinical trials in cardiac and thoracic surgery. The focus is on how evidence-based decision making has helped to shape modern practice and guidelines. The key trials are described and an overview of their impact provided. Much research has been undertaken to study the efficacy of different drugs, techniques, and treatment strategies within cardiothoracic surgery. As a result, many randomised controlled trials have been published which discuss a wide variety of topics and with the intention of improving current practice and patient care. This volume presents a selection of the key trials and assesses their impact. Compact and easy to read, the distillation of core information will enable the reader to understand the importance of the key papers that have influenced best practice across operating theatres, clinics, multi-disciplinary meetings, and inpatient management. Including full summaries of more than 30 trials and reflecting the clinical scenarios encountered in everyday practice by cardiothoracic surgeons, this concise volume is written for both trainee and more experienced members of the surgical team.