The Scalpel's Edge: Stories That Reveal the Heart and Mind of a Cardiac Surgeon

Steven Westaby writes: “The heart is a moving target, a bag of pressurized blood that begins to bleed uncontrollably as a result of one awkward movement. Just one touch can throw its rhythm off and lead to a sudden stop.”

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

“The Scalpel's Edge” is an honest account by the author about his life, about the strengths and weaknesses of character, about significant events that influenced his development as a unique cardiac surgeon, with captivating descriptions of the most difficult heart surgeries and other vital organs.


“The book impresses with the abundance of unique cases! This is not just another collection of surgical anecdotes, but a novel about the evolution of cardiac surgery and a great doctor, where the main character is portrayed as a person consisting not only of merits but also of contradictions and weaknesses.” — MIKHAIL TARDOV, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Neurologist, Leading Researcher at NIKIO

“A vivid example of a kind 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 surely enjoy this book as well. Each story is breathtaking, and the descriptions are very realistic.” — FINANCIAL TIMES