Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 12, 2025
Voluntary Breath-hold Technique for Reducing Heart Dose in Left Breast Radiotherapy
Published on: July 3, 2014
Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and Critical Care in the United Kingdom (UK) Part 1: Some Insights Into the History and
David Royston1, R Peter Alston2
1Department of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, Harefield Hospital Harefield, Uxbridge, United Kingdom.
Insights
This review highlights key historical advancements in UK thoracic and cardiac surgery, focusing on techniques, facilities, and pharmacology. It explores UK-developed innovations and external influences that shaped modern cardiothoracic patient management.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- The development of thoracic and cardiac surgery in the UK has a rich history.
- Progress in patient management relied on evolving techniques, facilities, and pharmacology.
- International contributions significantly influenced UK cardiothoracic practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review historical events crucial to thoracic and cardiac anesthesia and surgery in the UK.
- To focus on UK-developed techniques, facilities, and pharmacology for patient management.
- To acknowledge external influences and inspirations on UK cardiothoracic practice.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of key developments in UK cardiothoracic anesthesia and surgery.
- Examination of specific techniques, facilities, and pharmacologic agents.
- Inclusion of influential external contributions and their impact.
Main Results:
- Significant UK contributions to anesthetic agents (nonflammable volatile agents) and neuromuscular blockers.
- Development of critical surgical techniques and patient management strategies.
- Integration of external innovations like the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt and Harken's techniques.
Conclusions:
- The UK has played a pivotal role in advancing thoracic and cardiac surgery.
- A combination of indigenous innovation and external inspiration drove progress.
- Understanding this history is vital for appreciating current cardiothoracic practice.
Abstract:
This review is intended to highlight some of the historic events that contributed to the development of thoracic and cardiac anesthesia and surgery in Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). The aim of this first of two parts is to concentrate on the development of techniques, facilities, and pharmacology that allowed progress and advancement in patient management that were developed primarily in the UK. However, progress usually requires input from a wide variety of sources of knowledge, and cardiothoracic practice is no exception. Reference is, thus, made to sources outside of the UK that guided, influenced, or inspired changes in practice, such as the techniques of operating on the heart and great vessels in war casualties, developed by Dr. Dwight Harken, or the demonstration of the Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt by Alfred Blalock. In addition to advances in medical equipment, such as computed tomography, the UK contributed greatly to pharmacologic interventions that were unique at the time in such varied areas as nonflammable volatile anesthetic agents, heart failure treatments, and neuromuscular blocking agents for both cardiac and thoracic surgical practice.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management
01:22Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:30Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
01:25Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation IV: Pharmacological Management
01:24General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...