In patients with coronary artery disease, surgical revascu- larization with arterial or venous bypass grafts not only relieves symptoms, but also prolongs life. The result of such interventions, however, is frequently impaired by graft dysfunction and occlusion. This monograph highlights the clinical importance of coronary artery bypass graft disease and, in particular, the use of modern diagnostic techniques to assess graft structure and function. The molecular and cellular mechanisms of coronary bypass graft disease are ex- tensively discussed with several chapters devoted to prophy- lactic medical therapy. The indication, technique and results of reinterventions with balloon angioplasty, reope- ration or transplantation in patients with graft failure are also reviewed.

Operative Anatomy of the Heart offers a unique collection of data and artwork, illustrating cardiovascular surgery and surgical procedures. The coverage is exhaustive, extending to the entire anatomy of the human chest. An appendix presents cross sections of the human body: thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavity. These are presented as morphological guidelines for better interpretation of the computer scans. This is a book of unique visual and functional utility.