Cardiovascular system dynamics: Edited by Jan Baan, Abraham Noordergraaf, and Jeff Raines, Cambridge, Mass. 1978, The MIT Press, 618 pages, Price $70.00

Abstract

This book offers a novel approach to the study of the mammalian cardiovascular system. Instead of focusing on a particular part of the system or on a particular group of techniques, or approaching the system from a particular point of view, it stresses a balanced presentation of ideas: --all the major component parts of the system are discussed, as well as the behavior of the system as an integrated whole--both basic and clinical viewpoints are represented--both detailed analysis and comprehensive synthesis are offered.In addition, trends in modern instrumentation and the use of computers in improving patient care are important and recurrent themes. Spirited discussions of current controversies and philosophies highlight the presentations.The 62 papers in this volume were invited for a major international conference, held in April 1975, which marked the coming of age of this field and led to the founding of the Cardiovascular System Dynamics Society. The conference brought together outstanding researchers in the life sciences (biology, physiology, medicine) and the physical sciences (biophysics, bioengineering) in order to integrate their findings more intricately and to chart the present state and future directions of the field. Since the cardiovascular system has been one of the first areas to receive attention under the newly emerging symbiosis between engineering and medicine, the book also serves a useful secondary purpose as a model of what can be accomplished by such integrated effort.The papers are organized into 12 sections. The first 9 offer a tour of the cardiovascular system, with papers arranged within each section to lead the reader from theoretical to clinical viewpoints. Included are sections on cardiac muscle, coronary circulation, ventricular dynamics, systemic arterial tree, microcirculation, systemic veins, pulmonary vasculature, control mechanisms in specific vascular beds, and cardiovascular system control.The last 3 sections offer tutorial overviews of theoretical and experimental methods applied to the cardiovascular system and of cardiovascular instrumentation and computer analysis.