Coming October 15, 2026,
Sign up for email notification.
If you've ever faced heart surgery, you probably remember the questions.
What exactly will happen during surgery? How should I prepare? What will recovery really look like? And perhaps the biggest question of all: Where can I find information that makes sense without needing a medical degree?
A new book arriving October 15 hopes to make those questions a little easier to navigate.
The Cardiac Surgery Playbook: A Practical Guide to Understanding, Preparing for, and Recovering after Heart Surgery is designed specifically for patients and the people who care for them.
And for members of The Zipper Club, it looks like a resource worth knowing about.
Written by People Who Understand Cardiac Surgery
The book is authored by Daniel T. Engelman, MD, and Cheryl Crisafi, MSN, RN, with Armando Paez, MD.
Rather than presenting cardiac surgery through complicated medical terminology, the authors have created a practical, plain-language guide to help patients better understand their surgical journey.
The book includes:
-
290 pages of patient-focused information.
-
39 original medical illustrations.
-
Clear explanations of cardiac surgery concepts.
-
Guidance on understanding, preparing for, and recovering after surgery.
-
Information built on the 2024 Perioperative Care in Cardiac Surgery consensus.
The book is also endorsed by the ERAS Cardiac Society.
Why This Matters to Heart Surgery Patients
One of the things we hear repeatedly in heart surgery communities is that patients often don't know what they don't know.
Before surgery, we may be overwhelmed by medical terminology, unfamiliar procedures, and the sheer volume of information being presented.
After surgery, a completely different collection of questions emerges.
Having a resource that explains cardiac surgery in understandable language can help patients participate more confidently in conversations with their healthcare teams.
It can also help caregivers better understand what their loved ones are experiencing.
A Look Inside the Playbook
One of the book's particularly appealing features is its use of medical illustrations.
For example, the preview includes a detailed illustration of the mitral valve from a surgeon's perspective, explaining how the valve functions.
Another illustration introduces several types of mechanical circulatory support, including balloon pumps, Impella, ECMO, and LVAD devices.
These are terms patients may hear during their cardiac care but may not fully understand.
Seeing them explained visually can make complex medical subjects more approachable.
A Book With a Purpose Beyond Its Pages
There's another interesting aspect of this publication.
According to the book's promotional information, all proceeds benefit the ERAS Cardiac Society, and the authors receive no royalties.
ERAS stands for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, an approach focused on improving care throughout the surgical experience.
The book reflects the Society's commitment to advancing evidence-based cardiac surgical care.
Should You Add This to Your Recovery Library?
Whether you're preparing for your first cardiac procedure, recovering from surgery, or supporting someone you love, access to understandable information matters.
Of course, no book can replace your surgeon, cardiologist, or personal medical team. Every patient's circumstances and recovery are different.
But a resource that helps you ask better questions and understand unfamiliar medical concepts can be a valuable companion.
At The Zipper Club, we believe informed patients and connected communities make the recovery journey less intimidating.
That's why we're pleased to share news of this upcoming publication.
Be Notified When the Book Is Available
The Cardiac Surgery Playbook is scheduled for publication on October 15, 2026.
Visit the notification page to learn more and request an update when the book becomes available:
Sign up for email notification.
Because understanding your heart surgery journey is an important part of navigating it.
