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Ann Thorac Surg 1997;64:1153
© 1997 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons

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Review of Recent Books

Surgery for Acquired Aortic Valve Disease

Edited by Armand Piwnica, MD, and Stephen Westaby, FRCS Oxford, UK, Isis Medical Media, 1997 485 pp, illustrated, $150.00

See also page 1150.

With the rapid expansion of surgical procedures used in treating acquired aortic valve disease in recent years, there was a real need for an up-to-date compilation of information concerning this exciting area of thoracic surgery. The editors obviously perceived this need and with the help of 74 carefully chosen scientists have completed a work of high caliber. Contributing authors are true experts in their field representing scientific efforts across the world.

The book is organized into seven major divisions with 50 chapters appropriately grouped by topic. Content of most chapters begins with basic physiologic principles leading to engineering design and clinical application, particularly when dealing with mechanical prostheses. Effort has been made to include proper historical landmarks in development. Current operative techniques for inserting tissue and mechanical prostheses are well described and illustrated. Clinical results are frequently presented, with patient care and postoperative management appropriately discussed.

The artwork is impressive, and color photography adds impact to many chapters. Of particular interest is chapter 7, wherein new methods of testing heart valve substitutes and new preservation techniques for allograft and heterograft valve substitutes are discussed in detail.

The final chapter regarding the future of heart valve research is particularly intriguing, including, for example, genetic engineering as a possible mechanism for creating autologous valves.

Admittedly, some sections are not of interest to everyone (for example: some valves are discussed that have never been used in the United States); nevertheless, the reader will find this volume an excellent reference source.

The book is surprisingly up-to-date considering the usual time gap required for writing, collating, editing, and printing. Appropriate attention is given to greater use of tissue valves in the aortic position, a trend observed by many in recent years.

When one learns that early work in clinical aortic valve replacement began in 1960, it is fascinating to realize the progress made in the last 35 years. This book will serve as an excellent reference source and text for medical students, residents, faculty, and practicing cardiothoracic surgeons. It is recommended to all who are interested in surgery of aortic valve disease.

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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This Article Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Personal Folders Download to citation manager Author home page(s): A. Robert Cordell Permission Requests Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Cordell, A. R. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Cordell, A. R. Related Collections Related Article