This book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date summary of drug-coated balloon (DCB) technology and the role of DCBs in the treatment of coronary and peripheral arterial disease. In addition to clear explanation of how DCBs works, readers will find an enlightening analysis of the mistakes and successes of the past decade and the emergence of the latest delivery systems, which combine a more deliverable device with much improved drug delivery to the vessel wall. The full range of current applications of DCBs are reviewed in detail, drawing on the latest scientific evidence. Due attention is paid to newer devices, with provision of technical insights and documentation of the available clinical data. Ongoing research projects, remaining technical challenges, likely future directions, and reimbursement issues are also carefully considered. This book will be a useful tool for any interventional cardiologist, interventional radiologist, or vascular surgeon who wishes to acquire a deep knowledge of this technology and its application in both coronary and peripheral interventions.

This book focuses on the coronary bioresorbable scaffold, a new interventional treatment for coronary artery disease, differentiated from a permanent metallic stent. The book provides an overview of the technology including non-clinical studies and clinical evidences in order to help clinicians understand the appropriate application of the technology and the optimal techniques of implantation. It covers the basics of bioresorbable scaffolds; bench test results; preclinical studies; clinical evidences; and tips and tricks of implantation.

The sucess of coronary artery stenting is the result of improved implantation techniques, a much better understanding of the vascular response to injury, and advances in the adjunctive pharmacology. Industry has also contributed greatly by providing more versatile and user friendly stents, designed specifically to address the probelms of thrombosis and restenosis, as well as particular lesions types and clinical situations. This text covers the latest available stents, clinical trials, indications for stenting and cost considerations.

In June 1989, a third conference concentrating on the progress in quantita tive coronary angiography and related techniques was held in Rotterdam, again very successful as the two preceding events in 1985 and 1987. Tech nical as well as clinical aspects of digital and digitized coronarography, morphometry, parametric imaging and functional quantification of the human coronary circulation were presented and discussed by prominent exponents of those groups who have been active in this particular field for many years. This book contains the chapters representing the lectures held by leading experts during the symposium that update the knowledge currently available, including most recent aspects in angioscopy and intravascular ultrasound imaging. It also includes a historical review on the development of angiogra phic techniques from the very early days on to our times given by one of the pioneers in heart catheterization and angiography, Dr. Kurt Amplatz. Those who had the chance to listen to his talk, will surely remember his impressive, humorous lecture as one of the highlights of this meeting.

This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. This quick-reference handbook offers a concise and practical review of key aspects of the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in the era of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). In the context of STEMI, PPCI is the preferred mode of emergency revascularization. Access to PPCI is rapidly increasing and is now routinely practiced in both general and specialist hospitals and there has been a recent emphasis on developing STEMI networks to enhance and expedite the referral pathway. This coupled with concurrent developments to enhance the safety and efficacy of the PPCI procedure has heralded an era where STEMI interventions are increasingly considered an important subspecialty within interventional cardiology. Written by leading cardiologists who have been instrumental in the adoption of PPCI in their respective institutions, the book provides junior and senior cardiologists alike with insightful and thought-provoking tips and tricks to enhance the success of PPCI procedures, which may in turn translate into direct improvements in outcomes. The book is also relevant for healthcare providers and emergency department physicians.

Despite the fact that Interventional Radiology is steadily moving toward a cli- cal specialty with the need for broad medical training, daily craftsmanship will always remain fundamental to what an interventional radiologist does. Without basic catheter and wire skills IR would not be what it is today. When I watch ex- rienced colleagues work I am always surprised to see that, concerning the technique and the materials, we all make the same choices. There is apparently a common IR skill, which is universal and can be learned with experience. I always see this with new IR fellows, that it takes time to step away from improvising and letting the p- cedure take the lead to logic and standardized control over a procedure. Choosing the right materials for the right job and building a level of con dence with these materials is a very important part of any IR fellowship. Why can a supervisor get a stable catheter position with a new wire in no time, whereas the fellow almost gives up? The difference is knowing your materials for this speci c indication and c- bining routine and standardized operational procedures. Hands-on workshops are always very popular at every IR meeting because one can really learn about basic skills. Lectures with the title “How I do it,” can always count on a full audience.