In this book, the importance and value of accurately assessing coronary stenosis morphology is reviewed, including recent thoughts regarding the pathogenetic mechanisms ascribed to angiographically assessed morphology, several new and potentially more accurate means of determining plaque composition and its relationship to stenosis morphology, and the latest hypotheses regarding interventional device selection. Each chapter has been written by acknowledged experts in the area, who have contributed significantly to that body of knowledge and are considered opinion leaders nationally and internationally. Each chapter contains the basic `how-to' of that technique, the manner in which it is best utilized or considered, and the limitations that must be taken into account in its application. In some chapters, the authors address guidelines regarding image acquisition and analysis to minimize the variations resulting from the potential error sources. It is hoped that this work will lead to technological developments, improved performance, and more rational clinical utilization.

Despite recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of various cardiac illnesses, including ischemic, valvular and cardiomyopathic disease, the most cost-effective means of employing laboratory testing and treatment modalities remains an issue in most practice settings. With the advent of managed care and vigilant third-party payer evaluation of the use of diagnostic tests and hospital length of stay, the most effective medical and economic method of managing everyday cardiac illness is a question that arises daily in practice. To this end, we have selected well-known and widely published experts in cardiac diagnosis and therapy to develop practical and informative approaches outlining the most cost-effective methods of patient management. The topics include the entire range of cardiac diseases and emphasize the economic impact on decision-making. We develop guidelines and present general strategies for the practicing cardiologist and general internist. Additionally, the editors, who have 10 years of experience in this area, discuss the methods necessary to bring critical pathways and practice guidelines into clinical use. Both hospital and out-patient phases of illness are considered. Special concerns of hospital, private practice managed care and group practice settings are specifically addressed.

Despite recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of various cardiac illnesses, including ischemic, valvular and cardiomyopathic disease, the most cost-effective means of employing laboratory testing and treatment modalities remains an issue in most practice settings. With the advent of managed care and vigilant third-party payer evaluation of the use of diagnostic tests and hospital length of stay, the most effective medical and economic method of managing everyday cardiac illness is a question that arises daily in practice. To this end, we have selected well-known and widely published experts in cardiac diagnosis and therapy to develop practical and informative approaches outlining the most cost-effective methods of patient management. The topics include the entire range of cardiac diseases and emphasize the economic impact on decision-making. We develop guidelines and present general strategies for the practicing cardiologist and general internist. Additionally, the editors, who have 10 years of experience in this area, discuss the methods necessary to bring critical pathways and practice guidelines into clinical use. Both hospital and out-patient phases of illness are considered. Special concerns of hospital, private practice managed care and group practice settings are specifically addressed.

This Civil War enthusiast's sourcebook organizes the crucial details of the war in an inventive format designed to enhance the reader's knowledge base and big-picture understanding of key events and outcomes. The war's causes, political and economic issues, important personalities, campaigns and battles are examined. Nearly 200 reader challenges stimulate review of critical moments, with suggested reading for further exploration. Photographs and maps have been carefully selected to supplement the topic being explored.