The Scalpel's Edge: Stories Revealing the Heart and Mind of a Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Stephen Westaby writes: «The heart is a moving target, a bag of blood under pressure that starts to bleed spontaneously from one awkward motion. Just one touch can disrupt its rhythm and lead to sudden cardiac arrest».

Unfortunately, the life of a cardiothoracic surgeon is so complex that very few graduates of British medical universities are ready to pursue a career in this field. To risk a patient’s life during each operation means stepping out of one’s comfort zone. It requires courage and a willingness to face failure.

«The Scalpel’s Edge» is an honest account by the author of his life, of his strengths and weaknesses, and of the significant events that influenced his development as a unique cardiothoracic surgeon, with gripping descriptions of the most complex heart surgeries and other vital organ procedures.


«The book is striking for its abundance of unique cases! It is not just another collection of surgical anecdotes, but a novel about the development of cardiothoracic surgery and a great doctor, in which the main character is portrayed as a person made not only of virtues, but also of contradictions and weaknesses». — MIKHAIL TARDOV, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Neurologist, Leading Researcher at NIKIO

«A vivid example of a type of autobiography, medical scientific journalism. Those who were impressed by the 2014 bestseller "Do No Harm," written by Henry Marsh, a friend of Dr. Westaby, will certainly enjoy this book as well. Each story takes your breath away, and the descriptions are very realistic». — FINANCIAL TIMES