Interventional Radiology: A Survival Guide by David Kessel and
Iain Robertson, 2nd ed.
Elsevier Health, St. Louis, 2005 $59.95
Where does A Survival Guide fit in with other popular interventional radiology texts, such as Vascular & Interventional Radiology: The Requisites and the Handbook of Interventional Radiologic Procedures? A Survival Guide provides more theory than the Handbook, but much less than the Requisites. At 333 pages, it's also shorter than the other titles, but it keeps most of the essential information. In addition, A Survival Guide -- written by two experienced European radiologists -- is easy to read and easy to use as a reference.
The book's 26 chapters are divided into three sections: general principles, vascular intervention, and non-vascular intervention. Each chapter includes a brief paragraph about basic principles and theory; an equipment section that explains how to choose the right catheter or device; a procedure section that includes steps to perform; possible complications; and finally a troubleshooting section for solving common problems.
This second edition includes new chapters on arterial closure, non-invasive vascular imaging and uterine fibroid embolization.
Throughout each chapter there are short tips, and pitfalls (the authors refer to them as "alarms") to watch for different procedures. A bibliography at the end of each chapter, with a one sentence synopsis of each entry, directs the reader to more information.
The book's step-by-step procedures are more accessible than Requisites, but not as detailed as the Handbook. The book is printed on high-gloss paper and has great pictures and diagrams.
Interventional Radiology: A Survival Guide is great book for someone who is looking for an introduction to theory, interventional terminology, as well as practical usage information.
One criticism: The book is compact but still too wide to fit in a coat pocket. Future editions would benefit from a little slimming, making it easier to carry.
By Dr. Benjamin HomAuntMinnie.com contributing writer
September 22, 2005
Dr. Hom is an intern at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, WA. He will begin a radiology residency at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville in 2006.
The opinions expressed in this review are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of AuntMinnie.com.
Copyright © 2005 AuntMinnie.com
