Coronary Microvascular Obstruction in Acute Myocardial Infarction: From Mechanisms to Treatment provides a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon of coronary microvascular obstruction (CMVO) that is the main limitation of reperfusion therapies in ST-elevation myocardial infarction. It provides in-depth coverage of the phenomenon of CMVO which heavily affects prognosis by increasing the risk of death and heart failure at follow-up. A first of its kind reference dedicated solely to this topic, it is appropriate for a wide audience, from researchers, to those who aid in the management, prevention and treatment of CMVO. - Provides in-depth coverage of coronary microvascular obstruction (CMVO), spanning research, management, prevention and treatment - Includes the most up-to-date information on CMVO as presented from top experts around the word - Provides access to a companion website with extra material, including tables, additional references and instructional videos - Gives extensive coverage on how to measure CMVO, including in-depth indexes that can be used to detect and quantify the phenomenon

The microcirculation is highly responsive to, and a vital participant in, the inflammatory response. All segments of the microvasculature (arterioles, capillaries, and venules) exhibit characteristic phenotypic changes during inflammation that appear to be directed toward enhancing the delivery of inflammatory cells to the injured/infected tissue, isolating the region from healthy tissue and the systemic circulation, and setting the stage for tissue repair and regeneration. The best characterized responses of the microcirculation to inflammation include impaired vasomotor function, reduced capillary perfusion, adhesion of leukocytes and platelets, activation of the coagulation cascade, and enhanced thrombosis, increased vascular permeability, and an increase in the rate of proliferation of blood and lymphatic vessels. A variety of cells that normally circulate in blood (leukocytes, platelets) or reside within the vessel wall (endothelial cells, pericytes) or in the perivascular space (mast cells, macrophages) are activated in response to inflammation. The activation products and chemical mediators released from these cells act through different well-characterized signaling pathways to induce the phenotypic changes in microvessel function that accompany inflammation. Drugs that target a specific microvascular response to inflammation, such as leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion or angiogenesis, have shown promise in both the preclinical and clinical studies of inflammatory disease. Future research efforts in this area will likely identify new avenues for therapeutic intervention in inflammation. Table of Contents: Introduction / Historical Perspectives / Anatomical Considerations / Impaired Vasomotor Responses / Capillary Perfusion / Angiogenesis / Leukocyte-Endothelial Cell Adhesion / Platelet-Vessel Wall Interactions / Coagulation and Thrombosis / Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction / Epilogue / References

In the past two decades a number of studies have shown that abnormalities in the function and structure of coronary microcirculation can be detected in several cardiovascular diseases. On the basis of the clinical setting in which it occurs, coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) can be classified into four types: CMD in the absence of any other cardiac disease; CMD in myocardial diseases; CMD in obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease; and iatrogenic CMD. In some instances CMD represents an epiphenomenon, whereas in others it represents an important marker of risk or may contribute to the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia, thus becoming a possible therapeutic target. This book provides an update on coronary physiology and a systematic assessment of microvascular abnormalities in cardiovascular diseases, in the hope that it will assist clinicians in prevention, detection and management of CMD in their everyday activity.

The microvasculature refers to the smallest blood vessels, arterial and venous, that nurture the tissues of each organ. Apart from transport, they also contribute to the systematic regulation of the body. In everyday terminology, the microcirculation is "where the action is." Microcirculation is directly involved in such disease states as Alzheimers, inflammation, tumor growth, diabetic retinopathy, and wound healing- plus cardiovascular fitness is directly related to the formation of new capillaries in large muscles. Microvascular Research is the first book devoted exclusively to this vital systemic component of the cardiovascular system and provides up to date mini-reviews of normal functions and clinical states. The contributing authors are senior scientists with international reputation in their given disciplines. This two-volume set is a broad, interdisciplinary work that encompasses basic research and clinical applications equally. * Broad coverage of both basic and clinical aspects of microvasculature research * Contains 167 chapters from over 300 international authors * Each chapter includes key figures and annotated references

This is the newest volume in the softcover series "Update in Intensive Care Medicine". It takes a novel, practical approach to analyzing hemodynamic monitoring, focusing on the patient and outcomes based on disease, treatment options and relevance of monitoring to direct patient care. It will rapidly become a classic in the approach to patient monitoring and management during critical illness.

The two previous editions of Applied Physiology in Intensive Care Medicine proved extremely successful, and the book has now been revised and split into two volumes to enhance ease of use. This first volume comprises three elements -- "physiological notes," “technical notes,” and seminal studies. The physiological notes concisely and clearly capture the essence of the physiological perspectives underpinning our understanding of disease and response to therapy. The technical notes then succinctly explain some of the basics of “how to” in this technology-centered field of critical care medicine. Finally, a number of seminal studies are provided on diverse topics in intensive care. Applied Physiology in Intensive Care, written by some of the most renowned experts in the field, is an up-to-date compendium of practical bedside knowledge that will serve the clinician as an invaluable reference source on key issues regularly confronted in everyday practice.