The progressive supper

Abstract

Reviewing fiction for the Journal of Vascular Surgery is unusual, but this novel is unique. The antagonists are an overworked vascular surgeon and a slick interventional radiologist, and the background is more than one turf battle. The hospital turf battle is over resources allotted to their respective clinical programs, but the two are also competitive on the social turf, with the loyalty of wives and friends at stake. There is much intrigue and treachery in both fields of competition, and it is played out in the unusual background of a progressive supper, organized ostensibly as a unique and fun way for their shared social set to dine and mingle, but where the battle is deviously fought and the victor emerges. That the hero happens to be a vascular surgeon and the villain an interventional radiologist may make it all the more pleasant for our readers, but they may also find the details of the backdrop for the turf battle rather familiar: an abdominal aortic aneurysm endograft trial, thrombolytic therapy, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and stents and limb salvage bypass grafts are included in the various hospital scenarios. It takes inside knowledge to use these “props,” but as Roger Greenhalgh, who wrote the Foreword points out, the author “has been perfectly placed to observe vascular surgeons and vascular radiologists.” Indeed, the author spent a long time in the endovascular field, working with Boston Scientific during the Vanguard era. For that reason he is known to me, but European vascular surgeons are even more familiar with him, particularly those in the United Kingdom. The Foreword suggests that many will wonder on whom the lead players are based, since most good novels are based in part on fact. The book is dedicated to several individuals, but Peter Harris is the first named. Maybe he knows! For those who enjoy British humor and can pick up readily on their funny colloquialisms, this novel will provide enjoyable reading beyond any intrinsic interest in the turf battle itself, because humor and sex add much spice to the intrigue, and the book is hard to put down as the progressive supper nears its climax.