Ischemic Heart Disease: Surgical Management Editors: Brian Buxton, MS, FRACS, FRCS, University of Melbourne; O.H. Frazier, MD, University of Texas Medical School at Houston; Stephen Westaby, FRCS, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford Mosby, Inc., 1999, $205 Bibliographic data: ISBN: 0-7234-2911-1. Country of origin: United Kingdom. Appendixes included, 35 chapters, 446 pages, hard cover
Descriptive notes: The book contains predominantly color illustrations, with some black and white illustrations.
Reviewer's Expert Opinion Description: This book discusses important concepts and a rational basis for determining the appropriate surgical treatment of ischemic heart disease (IHD). Surgical indications, anatomy, physiology, and techniques are emphasized. Purpose: The book depicts and describes the steps and pitfalls of the many procedures important to the practicing cardiac surgeon--worthy objectives because the treatment of IHD consumes most cardiothoracic practices. Audience: Written for both residents and practicing surgeons, this book presents the knowledge and techniques used by 90 surgeons from around the world, most of whom are recognized leaders in their field. Features: The book is divided into four sections. The first is a brief section on the history, anatomy, and pathophysiology of coronary artery disease, preoperative and intraoperative decision-making, and postoperative care, and it concludes with a discussion of the techniques available for correcting obstructive coronary disease. Other sections cover the complications
of myocardial infarction or ischemia, the a s s o c i a t e d artherosclerotic syndromes that are being seen with increasing frequency in the elderly, and finally, new techniques in cardiac surgery. The principal strength of this book is its concise, clinically oriented discussion of surgical procedures. The beautiful illustrations greatly enhance the text. The chapters on coronary artery bypass graft function, conduits, and both standard and complex coronary reconstruction are particularly excellent. The major shortcoming of this book, however, is its limited discussion of both alternative surgical techniques and the burgeoning new field of less invasive coronary artery surgery. Assessment: This resource is a superbly illustrated, state-ofthe-art guide to IHD and its surgical management. It is comprehensive and will be extremely useful to practicing cardiac surgeons. Reviewer: Ralph J. Damiano, Jr., MD, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Hurst's The Heart, 8th Edition (CD-ROM for Windows and Mac) Editors: R. Wayne Alexander, MD, PhD, and Robert C. Schlant, MD, Emory University; Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, Mount Sinai Medical Center; Robert A. O'Rourke, MD, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Robert Roberts, MD, Baylor College of Medicine; Edmund H. Sonnenblick, MD, Albert Einstein College of Medicine McGraw-Hill, 1999, $195 Bibliographic data: ISBN: 0-07-864185-3. Country of origin: United States. No index or references Reviewer's Expert Opinion Description: This CD-ROM is the eighth edition of Hurst's The Heart, a comprehensive review of all cardiology areas by experts in those areas. Purpose: The CD provides an extensive review of all cardiovascular problems from evaluation and treatment of patients to the economic and legal issues involved. With this CD, the editors meet all their objectives; this format also enormously simplifies access to different areas of the text. Audience: The textbook on which this CD is based is a resource for all cardiology specialists and is must-reading for all fellows in training. It is also a good source of material for medical students and residents. The editors are the authorities in cardiology. Features: The entire textbook, some 2600 pages, is mounted on this CD. In addition, audio sections on heart sounds and a 700-question test with answers are provided. The text itself has hyperlinks to other chapters, which are easy to access with a
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dick. One hyperlink option allows readers with modems to access the original article by clicking on the reference, which connects directly with the Library of Medicine. An excellent search option allows users to look up topics; a "fuzzy spelling" option also is included that gives words that are close to whatever the user is looking for. Graphs and illustrations from the textbook can be cut and pasted to other indications. All pieces of the text can be printed, and page size can be adjusted. Readers can leave bookmarks to quickly return to frequently viewed sections and chapters. Assessment: The CD's best features are its instant and easy access to sections and its search abilities. The pretest is excellent; the heart sounds are good. Overall, this is a good quality product of an excellent standard text in cardiology. Reviewer: John F. Moran, MD, FACP, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine
April-June2000 19:2 Air Medical Journal