Primary angioplasty is a life-saving, minimally invasive emergency procedure increasingly used in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. As the procedure further proves its effectiveness, it is imperative that all cardiologists have a comprehensive understanding of the major issues surrounding primary angioplasty. This easy-to-use, clinically focused text is an essential reference for those hoping to achieve this understanding. A valuable educational tool, this text fully explores the vital concepts of primary angioplasty.

Primary angioplasty is a life-saving, minimally invasive emergency procedure increasingly used in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction. As the procedure further proves its effectiveness, it is imperative that all cardiologists have a comprehensive understanding of the major issues surrounding primary angioplasty. This easy-to-use, clinically focused text is an essential reference for those hoping to achieve this understanding. A valuable educational tool, this text fully explores the vital concepts of primary angioplasty. Key features include: * Fundamental examination of acute myocardial infarction -- specifically looks at symptoms, diagnosis, and pre-hospital care * Assessment of various Primary PCI techniques -- explores stenting options, balloon angioplasty and multivessel intervention * An exploration of mechanical aspects of primary angioplasty that includes chapters on possible mechanical complications and circulatory support * Specialty chapters on adjunctive pharmacologic therapies, stem cell therapy, the treatment of diabetic patients, and the role of surgery in acute myocardial infarction * An in-depth discussion of heart attack treatment networks -- looks at North American and European models and economic factors

The field of device closure of defects of the inter-atrial septum has expanded rapidly over the past ten years, and it is likely that there will be a further sharp increase in numbers of procedures being performed in the near future. With more and more adult patients presenting with this problem, it is imperative that interventional cardiologists know how to deal with it, and yet there is no currently available comprehensive text covering this subject. Addressing this need, Percutaneous Device Closure of the Atrial Septum discusses all aspects of the growing field of transcatheter device closure of defects of the atrial septum. Key areas covered include: * issues related to the anatomy of the atrial septum * imaging of atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale * the different types of defect that are amenable to percutaneous device closure. With an international team of expert contributors reviewing current imaging techniques and the common techniques used for closure, this unique work gathers together the world leaders in device closure to assess the individual products that are available. Practical, extensive, and full of invaluable insights from experienced practitioners, this text will provide the interventional cardiologist with a useful resource with which to embark upon this important technique. Table of Contents