Critical care medicine is responsible for many of the most important advances in outcomes after cardioCIRURGIA in the past two decades.  The expertise developed in this subspecialty accounts for the resiliency that characterizes gold standard results evident in institutions recognized for excellence.  This volume is intended to share ideas and algorithms that will improve outcomes in cardiothoracic critical care units.   This book is part of the Difficult Decisions in Surgery series that covers surgical specialties.  The volumes are multi-authored, containing brief chapters, each of which are devoted to one or two specific questions or decisions within that specialty that are difficult or controversial.  The volumes are intended as a current and timely reference source for practicing surgeons, surgeons in training, and educators that describe the recommended ideal approach, rather than customary care, in selected clinical situations.