While the timeline has been relatively abbreviated, there has been significant evolution in the field of cardiac surgery. These changes have been driven by a combination of operative innovation, changing patient demographics, and novel critical care resources, all of which have allowed today's surgeons to treat a myriad of conditions among increasingly higher risk patient cohorts. At the same time, this has forced providers to expand their clinical skill sets, embrace multidisciplinary collaboration, enhance postoperative care, and intensify the rigor by which outcomes and quality are being measured. In spite of this increasing complexity, however, mortality in cardiac surgery continues to improve. In this chapter, we highlight key historical events and describe an unprecedented trajectory and evolution in care practices that have helped shape modern cardiac surgery. We also make an appeal for additional research efforts which are needed to ensure sustained and innovative growth.
