Venous disorders, while generally not life-threatening, affect millions worldwide, causing pain, disability and negatively impacting the lives of sufferers. Enormous advances have been made recently in treatments, providing minimally invasive solutions, increasing rates of success, low rates of morbidity and better care for a greater number of patients. With contributions from experts in a number of specialties, this highly practical guide provides an understanding of the pathophysiology of venous disease and authoritative information on management, and details of all the current treatment options available to physicians. The new techniques and skills described in this book afford patients with venous disease healthier and more productive lives. The Fundamentals of Phlebology is a valuable resource for all those involved in the field, including physicians from a variety of specialties, including dermatology, vascular surgery, and interventional radiology, also also for nursing staff, ultrasonographers, allied health professionals, and scientists. The Editor, Helane Fronek MD, is a Fellow of the American College of Phlebology and the American College of Physicians, and has specialized since 1986 in the field of Phlebology, recently recognised by both the American Medical Association and American Ossteopathic Association as a distinct medical specialty field.

The first up-to-date source on the subject in a decade, this source collects the latest findings on infective endocarditis and presents the current understanding of the microbiology of the organisms involved, the varying forms of the disorder, and analyses of special populations, diagnostic strategies, and procedures in medical and surgical management. With the increased utilization of intravascular catheters and intracardiac devices, this publication will prove invaluable for physicians seeking an improved understanding of the wide range of signs and symptoms of the disease in a variety of practice settings.

Stroke is the second leading cause of death and major cause of long-term disability, directly impacting the quality of life, worldwide. Strokes with more rare, and unknown causes unfortunately receive little to no attention due to the heterogeneity of disorders and a poor understanding of clinical features. There are considerable variations in the etiology of this rare sub-category of stroke; requiring heightened clinical awareness for recognition, evaluation and treatment. This book provides up-to-date guidance, through case reports concisely summarised by global leaders in the field describing the diagnosis and treatment of rare causes of stroke, from vasculitis, hypercoagulable states, hereditary and genetic factors, cardioembolism, vasculopathies, venous occlusive conditions to bone disorders. Offering practical advice and algorithms, this book aids the clinician in establishing an accurate diagnosis through detailed evaluation of such patients, leading to an early diagnosis improving risk assessment and family counselling.

Over the past 25-30 years, deaths due to Torsades de Pointes (TdP) have resulted in numerous drugs being withdrawn from the market. However, nearly 200 drugs that may prolong the QT interval and cause TdP remain available. A number of drugs with the potential to cause TdP are among the top 200 most prescribed drugs in the US, whilst new information regarding TdP is emerging rapidly. The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive source of information on the topic of torsades de pointes (TdP), which is a life-threatening polymorphic ventricular tachyarrhythmia associated with QT interval prolongation on the electrocardiogram (ECG). Torsades de Pointes provides a detailed, up-to-date and emerging information related to the epidemiology, drug culprits, mechanisms, risk factors, and methods of prevention and management of the life-threatening polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, also known as torsades de pointes. The book contains current knowledge, incorporating recent and cutting-edge advances in understanding of topics including inherited channelopathies and congenital LQTS; drugs that cause QT interval prolongation and TdP; non-drug causes of acquired QT interval prolongation and TdP; epidemiology of inherited and acquired TdP; morbidity and mortality associated with TdP, particularly in association with specific antimicrobials, antidepressants and antipsychotics, and methadone; cellular and molecular mechanisms of TdP, traditional and emerging risk factors for TdP; methods of prevention and risk reduction for TdP; and clinical management of patients with TdP. This book is an essential reference for both clinicians and researchers - providing guidance for clinicians who care for patients receiving QT interval-prolonging drugs, as well as cutting edge information for scientists and investigators conducting research in the area.

Filling a large gap in the literature, this book focuses on the management of patients who have, or are at risk of developing, cardiovascular disease. Designed to serve as a resource for the busy, practicing clinician, the approach is evidence-based but practical. Conceptual development and the exploration of biochemical and physiological mechanisms are balanced by focused attention on the everyday issues of caring for patients with specific metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Reinforced by case studies, the book discusses standards of care and challenging management issues. The authors discuss pharmacotherapeutic choices in light of findings from clinical trials, elements of care unique to women and people of different racial and ethnic groups, lifestyle modifications, and the risks and benefits of specific therapies. The book reviews comprehensive care in both primary and secondary prevention settings. Moreover, Comprehensive Management of High Risk Cardiovascular Patients encourages primary care providers to get more involved in treating such disorders as atherosclerotic disease, congestive heart failure, severe hypertension, complex dyslipidemias, and chronic renal disease, among others.

Given that for centuries, the standard tool to understand diseases in tissues was the microscope and that its major limitation was that only excised tissue could be used, recent technology now permits the examination of diseased tissue in vivo. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has promising potential when applied to coronary artery disease. OCT has the capability to identify coronary plaque and to distinguish between plaques that are stable and unstable. If the plaques are stable then OCT can direct percutaneous intervention (angioplasty or stenting). Optical coherence tomography is a light-based imaging technology that allows for very high resolution imaging in biological tissues. It has been first applied in ophthalmology, where it soon became the golden standard for the assessment of (epi-) retinal processes. The unique imaging capabilities have raised the interest of researchers and clinicians in the field of cardiovascular disease, since OCT offers unique possibilities to study atherosclerosis pathophysiology in vivo. With over 1.1M Americans having a heart attack this year because of unstable plaque rupture, OCT may have an increasingly important role in the early diagnosis of coronary artery disease. This unique publication offers the reader the basic background to OCT and its role in the diagnosis and management of coronary artery disease. The Handbook of Optical Coherence Tomography in Cardiovascular Research introduces the cardiovascular application of this technology. Clinicians, biologists, engineers and physicist are discussing different aspects of cardiovascular OCT application in a multidisciplinary approach. The handbook offers the readership a concise overview on the current state of the art of vascular OCT imaging and sheds light on a variety of exciting new developments. The physics, technical principles of OCT and its application in a broad spectrum of cardiovascular research areas are summarized by highly recognized specialists. The potential of OCT in peripheral and coronary arteries and in developmental cardiology are described. Each research area is introduced by a clinical expert in the field followed by discussion of different aspects from an engineering, biomedical and clinical perspective. Specifically, the current capabilities for plaque characterization, detection of vulnerable plaque, guidance of interventional procedures, Doppler-assessment, and molecular contrast imaging are being described. The Handbook of Optical Coherence Tomography in Cardiovascular Research targets researchers and clinicians involved in the field of atherosclerosis. The summary of basic physics, engineering solutions, pre-clinical and clinical application covers all relevant aspects and will be a valuable reference source.

Written for pediatric cardiologists who want to specialize in interventional cardiology and need a step-by-step guide to carrying out procedures, this practical text is also aimed at adult cardiologists who want to learn more than just 'shooting for the coronaries'.
Addressing this need, all kinds of interventions in congenital heart disease and the new field of 'structural heart disease' are covered, including
acquired valvular heart disease
post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defects
PFO closure
closure of the left atrial appendage
paravalvular leak closure
techniques to treat diseases of the aorta
hybrid procedures
The only recent text on how to perform interventional cardiology for congenital heart disease in both the pediatric and adult patient, this expertly written work will help to overcome barriers between pediatric and adult cardiologists, and pave the way for a new specialist, the cardiovascular interventionalist.

One of the newly emerging themes in clinical practice is the concept of 'gender specific' medicine - the realization that the pathogenesis, etiology and progression of disease often differs between the sexes. In some instances, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are known, in others, they remain the focus of speculation. In many cases, the impact of disease and the options for management have greater importance in the female when these factors are related to reproductive health and the well-being of the women who are, or hope to be, bearing children. Cardiovascular disease is of singular importance in this context, and this authoritative new text provides a comprehensive synthesis of our current knowledge in the area. Presenting recommendations for therapeutic strategies that address the special considerations that apply in women patients, such as fertility and hormone replacement therapy, Cardiovascular Disease in Women also provides an update on research findings that will influence clinical practice.

Treatment of Advanced Heart Disease is an expansive and up-to-date guide to the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure in children and adults. Written by leading specialists, this source guides the clinician through the possible causes of heart disease and emphasizes potentially reversible etiologies, in addition to reviewing currently available therapies including drugs, devices, surgery, and research sure to impact the field for years to come.
Leads the reader through crucial treatment practices and strategies to sustain the lives of patients with severe heart disease.

Focusing on anatomy and procedural strategy for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, this atlas uses pictures and schematic diagrams to show how to use intracardiac echo (ICE) to assess anatomy, guide ablation, and prevent complications during interventional procedures, pulmonary vein stenosis, and embolic events. The authors review the state of the art and background support in the use of ICE in interventional electrophysiology procedures and the anatomy of both the atrial and ventricular chambers. They discuss innovative indications in the EP laboratory, future technologies such as 3-D echocardiography, and the integration of ICE with other types of imaging technology.

Authoritative and insightful, this important text provides an update on the latest advances in the areas of biomedical research that are at the interface of science and clinical medicine, where new discoveries in genetics, molecular and cell biology are not only enhancing our understanding of the etiology and progression of disease but are finding application in the development of new drugs or the implementation of new kinds of therapy. Reviewing current knowledge of the mechanisms contributing to hypertension, an internationally renowned team of contributors highlights developments across a broad range of disciplines and provides an overview of the advances in biomedical research that have a direct bearing on current clinical studies. A key work in its field, this text will have broad appeal to clinical cardiologists, vascular medicine specialists, and internists, as well as members of the cardiovascular research community and pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Contents:
Section A: Introduction - Importance of Gender Differences, IOM Report Section B: Coronary Heart Disease 1. Epidemiology 2. Coronary Risk Factors in Women . Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease in Women 4. Risk Intervention Section C: Pregnancy/Oral Contraceptives/Hormonal Therapies 22. Cardiac Disease and Cardiac Surgery in Pregnancy 23. Hypertension in Pregnanct 24. Peripartum Cardiomyopathy 25. Sex Hormones/Physiologic Changes/Genetic Polymorphism 26. Oral Contraceptives 27. Menopausal Hormone Therapy 28. PCOS Section D: Heart Failure 29. Diastolic Dysfunction 30. Heart Failure Section E: Other Cardiovascular Diseases 32. Hypertension 33. Congenital Heart Disease 34. Acquired Valvular Disease 35. Pulmonary Hypertension 36. Anorectic Drugs and the Heart 37. Stroke 38. Arrhythmias and Arrhythmia Management 39. Peripheral Arterial Disease 40. Chronic Renal Insufficiency and CV Disease Section F: Related Issues 41. Pharmacology 42. Stress, Strain and Heart Disease 43. Depression and Heart Disease 44. Women in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials 45. Education of Women About Cardiovascular Health

Intracardiac Echocardiography is the first echocardiographic textbook of its kind to specifically cover ICE. Discussing all aspects of intracardiac ultrasound, it allows readers to perfect ICE image acquisition and helps to guide interpretation of this information during interventional and electrophysiologic procedures.

Unique and informative, the text explores:

• introductory echo physics
• currently available intracardiac ultrasound systems
• basic image acquisition
• the role of ICE in both the interventional and electrophysiology laboratory, as well as in the diagnostic setting.

Featuring expert commentary by leaders in the field, the book also includes high quality echocardiographic images illustrating how ICE is used in a wide variety of procedures such as transseptal catheterization, PFO and ASD closure, atrial fibrillation ablation procedures, and many others.

The two greatest problems associated with PTCA are abrupt or threatened vessel closure and restenosis, stents were initially thought to be the remedy. Unfortunately, this has not proven so: the material of which the stent is composed, along with stent-induced vascular injury, has led to thrombotic effects. Numerous pharmacological agents have been tested in order to reduce acute thrombosis and the hyperproliferative cellular response. Many of these work. Given that stents are used frequently in the catheter lab, it is no surprise that stents are being used for local drug delivery. Pioneers in the field, Camenzind and De Scheerder have assembled an excellent team of contributors to offer their experience of local drug delivery to the reader.

Over the past few years, the focus in interventional cardiology research has centred on reducing restenosis with the use of antiproliferative pharmacological agents. The use of these drugs, hitherto, has failed, most probably because of low active drug levels at the target site. This problem led to the development of local drug delivery using stents, since they can serve as a reservoir for local drug administration and are in immediate contract with the coronary artery wall, thus ensuring maximum delivery of the pharmacological agent. Drug-eluting stents provide an entirely new spectrum of potential therapies for restenosis.
Handbook of Drug-Eluting Stents, under the editorial direction of Patrick Serruys, one of the world's leading interventional cardiologists, and Tony Gershlick, a pioneer in the field of drug-eluting stents, provides the reader with up-to-date information on which stents and pharmacological agents in use or about to be launched, the kinetics of the drugs involved, and what the future may hold.

Peripheral vascular disease is a common, disabling malady, and patients seeking treatment may turn to their cardiologist for advice and treatment. Conventional treatment has always been medical management and, inevitably, surgical bypass, even amputation. Stents have had a significantly high impact on endoluminal treatment outcomes by preventing injury to the lumen, reducing the potential for hyperplasia and restenosis, as well as the likelihood of plaque disruption and embolization. This second edition brings together a combination of all the current evidence-based information with personal experience and is presented by a team of distinguished operators.
Short Contents

The first book of its kind, Pediatric Heart Failure describes current diagnostic and treatment strategies for acute and chronic heart failure in the fetus, neonate, child, and young adult. It encompasses every aspect of pediatric heart failure, including historical perspectives, the latest technologies in mechanical circulatory support, and the psychosocial aspects of heart failure in children. Coverage includes the causes and treatment of heart failure in the fetus, the developmental, cellular, neurohormonal, and immunologic mechanisms of pediatric heart failure, the genetic aspects of heart failure, and the alterations in cardiac function that occur after heart transplantation in children.

The second edition of this critical text features heavily revised chapters detailing how to approach the anesthetic and perioperative management of adult and pediatric patients with congenital heart disease. Initially, a broad overview of relevant concepts in pediatric cardiovascular embryology, physiology, and pharmacology is provided. Subsequently, relevant diagnostic approaches including the use of three-dimensional modeling in surgical planning and preoperative considerations are described. The intraoperative management of a wide range of specific lesions is discussed, with full descriptions of anesthesia plans and the appropriate diagnostic methods and surgical interventions. New topics detailed include the use of hybrid techniques and applications of electrophysiology in patients with congenital heart disease. Postoperative care and potential future approaches are also addressed. Congenital Heart Disease in Pediatric and Adult Patients: Anesthetic and Perioperative Management provide a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the care of the pediatric patient undergoing cardiac surgery and anesthesia. It is therefore of interest to all practicing and trainee medical professionals who encounter these patients in their day-to-day practice.

The identification of cholesterol as a possible risk factor for coronary heart disease was first made after it was recognized that in countries with a high mean blood cholesterol, the mortality from coronary heart disease was also high. Lowering cholesterol levels helps to reduce the chances of myocardial infarction and certain types of stroke. Andrew Tonkin and his team of internationally-recognized experts present the reader with sound clinical practices, based on scientific research and publications.

Contents:
1. Why Do We Use Satins? 2. How Do We Assess Dyslipidaemia? 3. What Are the Statins and How Do They Work? 4. Who Should Receive Statin Therapy? 5. What About Statin Use in the Elderly? 6. What Does the Future Hold? 7. Glossary of Terms

Now in its fourth edition, this book presents a complete course in electrocardiography (ECG) for students and a reference for advanced trainees and technicians. The author's step-by-step approach lets readers focus only on needed information and proceed at their own pace. Brief and to the point, the text explains how an electrocardiograph works, how to draw a hexaxial system, plot vectors, produce a good ECG tracing, and how to draw a spatial vector. Advanced material is clearly marked, allowing students to work through the complete text with just enough theory to understand the facts and providing advanced trainees with a review and foundation for further study.

Covers gestational and chronic hypertension in addition to severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome and discusses the interaction with the renal, hematological, neurological, and hepatic systems of pregnant women.

This state-of-the-art reference details current and effective symptom-specific strategies for the diagnosis and management of diabetic patients-emphasizing the exploration of therapeutic options available for the treatment of accelerated coronary complications associated with diabetes. Addresses the pathophysiology underlying advanced heart disease and outlines treatments to impede progression in type 2 diabetic patients. Medical Management of Diabetes and Heart Disease contains the newest discoveries in -the relationship between diabetes and coronary illnesses -type 1 and type 2 diabetes -risk factors in diabetic patients for progressive heart disease -detection and diagnosis of insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus -nonpharmacological treatment and features the latest therapies in the treatment of coronary illnesses in diabetic subjects with -stable and unstable angina -acute myocardial infarction -congestive heart failure -percutaneous coronary intervention -coronary surgery With over 700 references and the contributions of more than 20 world-renowned experts, Medical Management of Diabetes and Heart Disease is an invaluable reference for primary care, family practice, and internal medicine physicians; cardiologists; cardiothoracic surgeons; endocrinologists; physician assistants; nurse practitioners; and medical students in these disciplines.

Aimed at hospital doctors and general practitioners, each title in the "In Practice" series focuses upon an important area of medical practice, and provides an overview of the relevant clinical background, followed by clinical assessments and treatment. Comprehensive and up-to-date, this book reviews Atrial Fibrillation.