When a sick child’s heart begins to beat again after a successful operation, it is nothing short of a miracle. Even for a renowned surgeon like Martin Kostelka, who has already performed over 10,000 procedures – mostly on babies and young children – with an outstanding success rate.
It is a privilege that Professor Kostelka is now, for the first time, offering deep insights into his immensely responsible daily professional life. The paediatric heart surgeon vividly recounts stories of anxious hope, moving and sometimes extraordinarily complicated cases. He shows just how long the journey is from young doctor to recognised specialist, to whom parents entrust their most precious possession. And he gives a fascinating account of the development of a specialist field that is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible for the benefit of the very youngest.
A Matter of the Heart is a story of tireless dedication – and of the wonderful strength of young patients who, despite the most adverse circumstances, never lose their will to live.
