Handbook of interventional radiologic procedures

Abstract

Microsurgical carotid endarterectomy Julian Bailes and Robert Spetzler, Philadelphia, 1996, Lippincott-Raven, 220 pages, $150. This text of 200 pages contains 10 chapters by the senior editors, neurologic surgeons at Allegheny General Hospital (Pittsburgh) and the Barrow Neurologic Institute (Phoenix), as well as 15 other authors who are neurosurgeons, neuroanesthesiologists, neurologists, and neuroradiologists. Introductory chapters include overviews on the epidemiology and natural history of carotid stenosis, preoperative risk assessment, and patient selection for carotid endarterectomy. The next chapter reviews carotid angiography, magnetic resonance, and magnetic resonance arteriography, followed by chapters describing the anesthetic management during carotid endarterectomy and the operative technique itself, which is beautifully illustrated. The final chapters in the text discuss the postoperative medical management of the carotid endarterectomy patient and the unique management of total occlusion. As stated by the authors, the purpose of this text was to “collect the entire spectrum of care associated with microsurgical carotid endarterectomy into one reference volume.” Most of the chapters in the text are competent review and overview sections, but do not add new information to previously published texts on the management of the patient with cerebrovascular disease. Indeed, the significance of the 36-page chapter on “Rationale and Protocol for Microsurgical Carotid Endarterectomy” escapes this reviewer. The operative instructions offered are those that have been well described for decades, except the arteriotomy closure is performed with an operating microscope in lieu of loop magnification. The section, however, on perioperative complications including postoperative thrombosis, intracerebral hemorrhage, and controversies in carotid endarterectomy (ie, carotid patch angioplasty, intraoperative shunting) is quite good. The chapter discussing intraoperative transcranial Doppler (TCD) is well written and well-illustrated. The illustrative case examples of “competent vs incompetent collateral reserves,” microembolization, and carotid thrombosis were helpful in understanding TCD as an adjunct for cerebral surveillance during operation. The most intriguing chapter in the text was on management of total carotid occlusion. The authors reviewed and documented the natural history and operative results of internal carotid artery occlusion and report their results in 42 patients who underwent “emergency carotid endarterectomy for appropriate symptoms.” The authors opened 24 arteries with thromboembolectomy, performed internal carotid “stumpectomy” with external carotid ligation in nine, and stumpectomy with external carotid endarterectomy and EC-IC bypass in four. The long-term follow-up results demonstrate an 88% patency rate by color-flow ultrasonography in patients who initially were thrombectomized. The authors conclude that the natural history of carotid occlusion has been ill defined, and the authors believe they have improved their ability to reopen occluded arteries. An algorithm is presented as a management guideline. In general, this text is beautifully illustrated, well documented, and well written. It does not, however, offer much new about carotid endarterectomy, but would serve as an appropriate reference text. The receipt of the books listed below is acknowledged. This listing is regarded as appropriate return for the courtesy of the sender. The books that are of particular interest will be reviewed and the review published as space permits. Arterial aneurysms: Diagnosis and management Michael Horrocks, Oxford, Mass., 1995, Butterworth-Heinemann, 246 pages, $110. Noninvasive electrocardiology: Clinical aspects of Holter monitoring Arthur Moss and Shlomo Stern, Philadelphia, 1996, W.B. Saunders, 541 pages, $59. Computer analysis of cardiovascular signals M. DiRenzio, G. Marcia, G. Parati, H. Pedotti, A. Zanchetti, Amsterdam, 1995, IOS Press, 315 pages. Surgical treatment of aortic dissection Hams Borst, Markus Heinemann, and Christopher Stone, New York, 1996, Churchill Livingstone, 357 pages, $119.95. Venous disorders: A manual of diagnosis and treatment G. Belcaro, A.N. Nicolaides, and M. Veller, Philadelphia, 1995, W.B. Saunders, 204 pages, $35. Handbook of venous disorders: Guidelines of the American Venous Forum Peter Gloviczki and James S. T. Yao, London, 1996, Chapman & Hall Medical, 686 pages. Renal vascular disease Andrew Novick, John Sobule, and George Hamilton, Philadelphia, 1996, W.B. Saunders, 550 pages, $97. Atlas of cardiovascular pathology Renu Virmani, Allen Burke, and Andrew Farb, Philadelphia, 1996, W.B. Saunders, 234 pages, $169. Handbook of interventional radiologic procedures Krishna Kandarpa and John Aruny, Boston, 1996, Little, Brown and Company, 508 pages, $37.95.