The Metamorphosis of the Book
Essentials of Neonatal Ventilation 2010 P.K.Rajiv

Every nucleus of concept in history evolved from a dream of conviction. The passion to achieve this and to translate this into scientific hypothesis were the hallmarks of geniuses like Einstein and Archimedes. The perinneal persistence to succeed elevated them above lesser mortals to the greater dimension of controversial discoveries.I truly loved history in the world of newborn ventilation. I drew inspiration from many revered greats in this speciality,who are referred to periodically in my book, and I had the distinct pleasure to work with and interact.on a personal basis..The chapter “Journey through ventilation” is a tribute to them.

This book was a dream 8 years back when I had produced a teaching manual to train doctors in neonatal ventilation, This had to be simple ,illustrative,comprehensive,yet management oriented ,alogaritms,flow charts,case scenarios,MCQs. I did a good review of very many excellent textbooks but could not reach specific end points in management ,either stereotyped or complex.I reviewed almost close to 150 articles and found good presentations and reviews but none summarised in one book.I updated the manual to make it a 900 page exhaustive treastise on bedside ventilatory management. This was the book used for the postgraduates and training programmes in ventilation.

I had come to the conclusion a long time ago that it was difficult to standardise ventilatory management since assisted ventilation is an art.The transformation of this art into a structured management flow would be difficult but possible if a horizontal section can integrate xray abg and pulmonary mechanics.I had discussed with dr.Richard Polin on this books format. He remarked that it was indeed an ambitious project.I received more heartwarming response from Dr. Martin Kluckow who commented that a detailed bedside management book was the only piece of literature missing in the neonatal ventilation arena,..The bottom line was to adapt and inject into the beginners software, gentle ventilation,volume targeting, non-invasive ventilation,judicious use of pulmonary mechanics. I particularly like the word dr.wung used in 1980,s lung bashing.,when the whole world was indeed bashing up the lung..This book focuses on lung protective and brain protective strategies.
I was most fortunate that one living legend who has seen it all ,agreed to be my co-author; Dr.Dharmapuri Vidyasagar. His direction and review would indeed polish the crude diamond in this book. This book was ready for launch in dec2009 but I asked myself a basic question’ Are you satisfied with the depth ,innovation,review of literature and management strategy ? I felt I should write to international stalwarts to be part of this book,.The international faculty responded with such warmth and encouragement that I am extremely confident of a world class book.The book should be released by second half of 2010 and hopefully be a bedside companion in each nicu in the world. I have used all my 22 years bedside experience to give the reader an illustrative bedside management book in ventilation.