Thieme, New York, 2000, $149
If you are in the market for a good book on transvenous interventional radiology procedures, then you are in luck. In its second edition, Savader and Treretola’s book has grown from 38 to 52 chapters, and it’s a complete, easy to read treatment of this increasingly important subset of radiologic procedures.
The chapters are organized around 10 venous interventional topics, including portal hypertension and TIPS, venous embolization, inferior vena cava filters, and foreign body retrieval.
Each of the 10 topics receives thorough attention, with ample consideration given to pathophysiology, imaging diagnosis, potential interventional therapy, and patient selection. Interdisciplinary commentary, written by medical and surgical subspecialty experts, provides illuminating clinical context in each of the book’s major subsections. Nephrologists cover hemodialysis access; oncologists write about catheters used for chemotherapy infusion; and hematologists take on venous thromboembolic disease.
The best illustration of the benefits of this approach is the section on portal hypertension. Authoritative chapters are presented on etiology and pathophysiology, imaging evaluation, and standard TIPS technique. An entire chapter summarizes randomized trials and basic research regarding TIPS. Further chapters deal with ancillary topics such as coronary vein embolization, Budd-Chiari syndrome, and the treatment of failing surgical shunts. Clinical perspectives are offered from both surgeons and gastroenterologists.
Another particularly noteworthy chapter covers testicular varicoceles and controversies surrounding their treatment. There is an excellent essay on the physical examination of hemodialysis grafts and fistulae, as well as discussions of uncommon, alternate venous access routes, puerperal ovarian vein thrombosis, and chronic venous insufficiency. Clinical case scenarios provide further enrichment.
Tables, illustrations and reproduced radiographs are of uniformly high quality. Despite multiple authors, the editors have unified the subject matter, with emphasis on relevant research and evidence-based practice. Numerous literature citations provide a springboard for further in-depth reading.
Venous Interventional Radiology with Clinical Perspectives is an excellent resource. The inclusion of the opinions and perspectives of nonradiologists is a particular strength of this work. It is a model for the kind of literature that will build common ground between imaging professionals and other specialists.
By Dr. Raymond H. ThorntonAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
April 25, 2003
Dr. Thornton is chief resident, department of radiology, at the University of California, San Francisco. He will be a fellow in vascular and interventional radiology at UCSF in July 2003.
If you are interested in reviewing books, let us know at [email protected].
The opinions expressed in this review are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of AuntMinnie.com.
Copyright © 2003 AuntMinnie.com
