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THE CORONARY CIRCULATION IN HEALTH AND DISEASE
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THE CORONARY CIRCULATION IN HEALTH AND DISEASE. By MELVIN L. MARCUS. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1983, 465 pp, $45.00
the bOOkshel1
THE ATLAS OF CARDIAC SURGERY. By DAVID H. DILLARD and DONALD W. MILLER, JR. New York: MacMillan, 1983, 258 pp, $80.00 Doctors Dillard and Miller have set out to create a concise one-volume presentation of the state-of-the-art of cardiac surgery. They have amply succeeded in their goal. This book details the full gamut ofadult and pediatric procedures used today. Dr. Dillard's illustrations are clearly and superbly done. This work is, however, so much more than just a spectrum of thoughts and illustrations. It contains excellent references for further reading on virtually every other page. It not only includes the opinions ofthe authors' way ofdoing their work, but also the results of their two national surveys ofcardiac surgeons on coronary artery surgery (1980) and professional activities of perfusionists (1982). It is considered worthwhile by some individuals to include some sort of criticism (usually minor) in a book review. I cannot join this fetish with this Particular book. It is superb work, and I highly recommend it to all perfusionists, students, residents and surgeons in the cardiac surgical field.
H. Dan Adams, M.D.
Evanst;ille, IN
SCIENCE AT THE BEDSIDE: CLINICAL RESEARCH IN AMERICAN MEDICINE 1905-1945. By A. MCGEHEE HARVEY. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1981, 554 pp, $17.50 This comprehensive and well-documented work explains why America has dominated the explosion of medical knowledge in the 20th century. The book first reviews the 19th century milieu for clinical research, demonstrating the crucial in8uence of European, particularly German, models. The author then sketches the development of clinical science in America, illustrating the key roles of Johns Hopkins, The Rockefeller Institute, medical societies, and the concept of the full-time clinical investigator. In conclusion, a detailed history of the evolution of clinical research in 15 institutions is presented. Harvey documents the training of many researchers, describing not only their scientific experience, but also their intellectual characteristics and role models. This individual background information is then woven into the fabric of each institution, portraying how people and medical schools were shaped and molded, how research was facilitated or inhibited. In the pattern of late 19th century Germany, competition for promotion and research facilities in Americas diverse and decentralized system allowed fruition ofclinical science on a broad base. One has to work for the rewards in this book. Overburdening details about people and events interfere with the search for general themes and guidelines. Much of the text is rather dry, occasionally relieved by direct quotes from interviews, letters, and other works which give more personal glimpses. The summaries are excellent and should be read first.
John R. Stone, M.D.
Missoula, MT
CARDIOLOGY, 1983. Edited by WILLIAM C. ROBERTS. New York: Yorke Medical Books, 1983,516 pp, $49.50 Readers in the mood for an overview that does not unduly tax their capacity for cerebration or criticism may enjoy Cardiology, 1983. Of the 721 articles abstracted, the majority represent the 1982 output ofthree American journals. This years edition is again nicely organized by subject, but again blurs the boundaries seParating editorial opinion from medical reportage. By the last page, the reader feels somewhat like an impure supersaturated solution-the result of his being offered so many summaries, but not enough details or editorial perspective. Otherwise avoidable antinomies inevitably result with such a mode of presentation. Most factologists, however, will enjoy the positive feature of this text: a wide exposure to more facts and therapeutic options. One learns, for example, that some cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy are caused by an acute in8ammatory myocarditis, dia~osable by endomyocardial biopsy, and treatable with azathioprine and prednisone. Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty of stenotic pulmonary valves has now worked in five patients. While awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting, some patients can be relieved of their nocturnal angina by placing them in a 1<1' reverse Trendelenberg position ... etc. By delivering such useful information, the old appeal of a literature review, exemplified here, still casts its spell on busy clinicians. Alan T. Marly, M.D., F.C.C.P. Evanst;ille, IN
18
Following the tradition set by Donald Gregg's classic single author monograph of the same title published in 1950, Dr. Marcus again brings out a one man's 1983 perspective. As such, he avoids "the fragmentation, gaps, and inconsistencies," almost uniformly incorporated into the usual multiauthored references now available in the field. He has borrowed the title with Dr. Gregg's permission and has directed the book's contents to "physicians involved in the care of patients with heart disease (internists, cardiologists, radiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists) and basic scientists (physiologists, pharmacologists, bioengineers, anatomists, etc)"-a rather formidable group to please. Although he has used almost twice as many pages as Dr. Gregg to cover the subject, he has only skimmed the surface. An excellent group of references is provided for the readers who need to penetrate more deeply. For the clinician, Dr. Marcus attempts to teach the practitioner neither diagnosis nor treatment, although he outlines for him all of the relevant developments of the last third of a century. Likewise, for the dedicated basic scientist he provides a useful broad perspective, particularly valuable for following the developments outside of his narrow field ofinterest, but without the encumbering details. Most helpful for the reader are the many pithy sentences in italics sprinkled throughout the text and identified by the words, "in my view." These represent an experienced cardiologists analysis of otherwise confusing or contradictory observations-without depriving the reader of his own opportunity to judge. Divided into six Parts, the text takes the reader smoothly along a path beginning with coronary anatomy, through methods of investigation, to current medical and surgical interventions that modify the coronary circulation. The author has devoted this to participation "in the education of many young investigators and senior research associates who came to the cardiovascular center to study the regulation of the circulation." Dr. Marcus has harvested a valuable yield of current cardiovascular investigation and packaged it into easily readable form. William H. Wehnnacher, M.D.
Maywood.IL
CARDIOVASCULAR CRITICAL CARE NURSING (Vol 5, Contemporary Issues in Critical Care Nursing). By SUSAN L. WOODS, RN, MN. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 1983, 271 pp, $25 The fifth in an ongoing series, this book is an excellent overview of current concepts in critical care. This book is specific. It offers the experienced practitioner a superb source to expand their data base and to develop new skills. Contributing authors take their specialty areas within cardiovascular nursing (mitral valve prolapse, intracoronary streptokinase, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, calcium channel blockers, coronary artery risk factors, LA monitoring, resuscitation, noninvasive monitoring techniques, atrial epicardial pacing, IAB~ complex arrhythmias, beta blockers, heart transplantation) and blend the history, pathology, etiology, treatment, and nursing care into concise, well-written chapters. Each of these topics has had volumes written about them. However, for the cardiovascular nurse this text offers a middle ground. Without having to wade through volumes, one can learn of current treatments, philosophy and trends without sacrificing relevancy.
Paul Cross, R.N. Burlington, MA VASCULAR DISEASES-A CONCISE GUIDE 10 DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENf, PATHOGENESIS, AND PREVENTION. By SANDOR A. FRIEDMAN. Littleton, MA: John Wright-PSG, 1982, 576 pp, $49.50 Vascular disease is an area ofclinical medicine which is rapidly growing and changing, yet one in which many physicians do not feel particularly competent. With this in mind, the authors have compiled a text reviewing most disorders of the vascular system distal to the aortic valve. Chapters range in topic from ischemic disease of the brain to podiatric care in the diabetic or ischemic foot. The book focuses on diagnosis, pathogenesis, management, and prevention. It is not meant to serve as a vascular surgery atlas. Specific chapter contributions are made by specialists in all fields ofvascular disease including surgery, radiology, hematology, rheumatology, and others. The 19 chapters by 12 different authors provide comprehenSive coverage of vascular diseases ranging from surgically oriented problems such as aneurysms, to such medical problems as diabetic neuropathy and vasculitis. Unfortunately, it does not address vascular injuries sustained in trauma. The illustrations are instructive, the radiographs well reproduced, and the references are well chosen. In summary, this book serves as a valuable review of vascular disease and will benefit clinicians from all fields of medicine. Bruce Adye, M.D.
Seattle
Continued on page 22
-
lllli
THE CORONARY CIRCULATION IN HEALTH AND DISEASE. By MELVIN L. MARCUS. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1983, 465 pp, $45.00
the bOOkshel1
THE ATLAS OF CARDIAC SURGERY. By DAVID H. DILLARD and DONALD W. MILLER, JR. New York: MacMillan, 1983, 258 pp, $80.00 Doctors Dillard and Miller have set out to create a concise one-volume presentation of the state-of-the-art of cardiac surgery. They have amply succeeded in their goal. This book details the full gamut ofadult and pediatric procedures used today. Dr. Dillard's illustrations are clearly and superbly done. This work is, however, so much more than just a spectrum of thoughts and illustrations. It contains excellent references for further reading on virtually every other page. It not only includes the opinions ofthe authors' way ofdoing their work, but also the results of their two national surveys ofcardiac surgeons on coronary artery surgery (1980) and professional activities of perfusionists (1982). It is considered worthwhile by some individuals to include some sort of criticism (usually minor) in a book review. I cannot join this fetish with this Particular book. It is superb work, and I highly recommend it to all perfusionists, students, residents and surgeons in the cardiac surgical field.
H. Dan Adams, M.D.
Evanst;ille, IN
SCIENCE AT THE BEDSIDE: CLINICAL RESEARCH IN AMERICAN MEDICINE 1905-1945. By A. MCGEHEE HARVEY. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1981, 554 pp, $17.50 This comprehensive and well-documented work explains why America has dominated the explosion of medical knowledge in the 20th century. The book first reviews the 19th century milieu for clinical research, demonstrating the crucial in8uence of European, particularly German, models. The author then sketches the development of clinical science in America, illustrating the key roles of Johns Hopkins, The Rockefeller Institute, medical societies, and the concept of the full-time clinical investigator. In conclusion, a detailed history of the evolution of clinical research in 15 institutions is presented. Harvey documents the training of many researchers, describing not only their scientific experience, but also their intellectual characteristics and role models. This individual background information is then woven into the fabric of each institution, portraying how people and medical schools were shaped and molded, how research was facilitated or inhibited. In the pattern of late 19th century Germany, competition for promotion and research facilities in Americas diverse and decentralized system allowed fruition ofclinical science on a broad base. One has to work for the rewards in this book. Overburdening details about people and events interfere with the search for general themes and guidelines. Much of the text is rather dry, occasionally relieved by direct quotes from interviews, letters, and other works which give more personal glimpses. The summaries are excellent and should be read first.
John R. Stone, M.D.
Missoula, MT
CARDIOLOGY, 1983. Edited by WILLIAM C. ROBERTS. New York: Yorke Medical Books, 1983,516 pp, $49.50 Readers in the mood for an overview that does not unduly tax their capacity for cerebration or criticism may enjoy Cardiology, 1983. Of the 721 articles abstracted, the majority represent the 1982 output ofthree American journals. This years edition is again nicely organized by subject, but again blurs the boundaries seParating editorial opinion from medical reportage. By the last page, the reader feels somewhat like an impure supersaturated solution-the result of his being offered so many summaries, but not enough details or editorial perspective. Otherwise avoidable antinomies inevitably result with such a mode of presentation. Most factologists, however, will enjoy the positive feature of this text: a wide exposure to more facts and therapeutic options. One learns, for example, that some cases of peripartum cardiomyopathy are caused by an acute in8ammatory myocarditis, dia~osable by endomyocardial biopsy, and treatable with azathioprine and prednisone. Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty of stenotic pulmonary valves has now worked in five patients. While awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting, some patients can be relieved of their nocturnal angina by placing them in a 1<1' reverse Trendelenberg position ... etc. By delivering such useful information, the old appeal of a literature review, exemplified here, still casts its spell on busy clinicians. Alan T. Marly, M.D., F.C.C.P. Evanst;ille, IN
18
Following the tradition set by Donald Gregg's classic single author monograph of the same title published in 1950, Dr. Marcus again brings out a one man's 1983 perspective. As such, he avoids "the fragmentation, gaps, and inconsistencies," almost uniformly incorporated into the usual multiauthored references now available in the field. He has borrowed the title with Dr. Gregg's permission and has directed the book's contents to "physicians involved in the care of patients with heart disease (internists, cardiologists, radiologists, cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists) and basic scientists (physiologists, pharmacologists, bioengineers, anatomists, etc)"-a rather formidable group to please. Although he has used almost twice as many pages as Dr. Gregg to cover the subject, he has only skimmed the surface. An excellent group of references is provided for the readers who need to penetrate more deeply. For the clinician, Dr. Marcus attempts to teach the practitioner neither diagnosis nor treatment, although he outlines for him all of the relevant developments of the last third of a century. Likewise, for the dedicated basic scientist he provides a useful broad perspective, particularly valuable for following the developments outside of his narrow field ofinterest, but without the encumbering details. Most helpful for the reader are the many pithy sentences in italics sprinkled throughout the text and identified by the words, "in my view." These represent an experienced cardiologists analysis of otherwise confusing or contradictory observations-without depriving the reader of his own opportunity to judge. Divided into six Parts, the text takes the reader smoothly along a path beginning with coronary anatomy, through methods of investigation, to current medical and surgical interventions that modify the coronary circulation. The author has devoted this to participation "in the education of many young investigators and senior research associates who came to the cardiovascular center to study the regulation of the circulation." Dr. Marcus has harvested a valuable yield of current cardiovascular investigation and packaged it into easily readable form. William H. Wehnnacher, M.D.
Maywood.IL
CARDIOVASCULAR CRITICAL CARE NURSING (Vol 5, Contemporary Issues in Critical Care Nursing). By SUSAN L. WOODS, RN, MN. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 1983, 271 pp, $25 The fifth in an ongoing series, this book is an excellent overview of current concepts in critical care. This book is specific. It offers the experienced practitioner a superb source to expand their data base and to develop new skills. Contributing authors take their specialty areas within cardiovascular nursing (mitral valve prolapse, intracoronary streptokinase, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, calcium channel blockers, coronary artery risk factors, LA monitoring, resuscitation, noninvasive monitoring techniques, atrial epicardial pacing, IAB~ complex arrhythmias, beta blockers, heart transplantation) and blend the history, pathology, etiology, treatment, and nursing care into concise, well-written chapters. Each of these topics has had volumes written about them. However, for the cardiovascular nurse this text offers a middle ground. Without having to wade through volumes, one can learn of current treatments, philosophy and trends without sacrificing relevancy.
Paul Cross, R.N. Burlington, MA VASCULAR DISEASES-A CONCISE GUIDE 10 DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENf, PATHOGENESIS, AND PREVENTION. By SANDOR A. FRIEDMAN. Littleton, MA: John Wright-PSG, 1982, 576 pp, $49.50 Vascular disease is an area ofclinical medicine which is rapidly growing and changing, yet one in which many physicians do not feel particularly competent. With this in mind, the authors have compiled a text reviewing most disorders of the vascular system distal to the aortic valve. Chapters range in topic from ischemic disease of the brain to podiatric care in the diabetic or ischemic foot. The book focuses on diagnosis, pathogenesis, management, and prevention. It is not meant to serve as a vascular surgery atlas. Specific chapter contributions are made by specialists in all fields ofvascular disease including surgery, radiology, hematology, rheumatology, and others. The 19 chapters by 12 different authors provide comprehenSive coverage of vascular diseases ranging from surgically oriented problems such as aneurysms, to such medical problems as diabetic neuropathy and vasculitis. Unfortunately, it does not address vascular injuries sustained in trauma. The illustrations are instructive, the radiographs well reproduced, and the references are well chosen. In summary, this book serves as a valuable review of vascular disease and will benefit clinicians from all fields of medicine. Bruce Adye, M.D.
Seattle
Continued on page 22