Ann Thorac Surg 2002;74:1287
© 2002 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Review of recent books
Mechanical support for cardiac and respiratory failure in pediatric patients
Edited by Brian W. Duncan, MD, 2001, New York, New York, Marcel Dekker, Inc, 369 pp, illustrated, $165.00, ISBN: 0-8247-0275-1
Joseph B. Zwischenberger, MDa
a Galveston, Texas, USA
This book attempts to "fill a void" in the current literature by concisely summarizing the state of the art of mechanical circulatory support in children. The textbook covers all areas from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to a wide range of support devices including ventricular assist devices and intraaortic balloon pumps. The editor does a credible job bringing together older technology and experiences to the currently available technology. ECMO dominates the discussion and is a natural extension of the expertise gained from neonatal populations. The editor’s forte is the application of ECMO for postoperative cardiac support, and the book reflects that expertise. The ECMO management section is detailed with a thorough explanation of the various components of an ECMO circuit. The book also provides insight into organizing a rapid deployment team for implementation of ECMO. Mechanical circulatory support is addressed separately and is contrasted to the technique of ECMO. Expertise is added to explain unique problems inherent to the pediatric population and discussing the differences between neonatal and adult populations.
Some aspects of the book were tedious. The first four chapters were very repetitive. Some of the figures and graphs in the book were not clear. Much of the data presented within the book did not reflect the experience of multiple centers collectively or the Extracorpeal Life Support Organization. Very little of the book was dedicated to respiratory failure, as the title might suggest, therefore the book would be of little benefit to a center that has a patient base of primary respiratory failure. Dr Duncan has obviously made an effort to retain a consistent philosophy throughout the book. He has gained experience as a pediatric cardiac surgeon utililizing ECMO for postoperative cardiac support, in this respect, his expertise is apparent. I should also comment that the book is relatively expensive in comparison to a literature search, which could yield much of the material contained within this book, or available materials from the Extracorpeal Life Support Organization.
