CARDIAC VALVE ALLOGRAFTS (HOMOGRAFTS) highlights the current controversy about freehand subcoronary aortic valve and root replacement with regard to postoperative morbidity and long term durability. It discusses particular implantation techniques of preference in young patients and in different root pathology. Other chapters address intermediate- and long-term results on cardiac valve and vascular homografts for treating complicating cardiac valve and aortic infections. The chapter on basic science additionally makes this book a highly authoritative reference source for cardiac surgeons, physicians and scientists. This work provides a current survey of the state-of-the-art.

Principles of Heart Valve Engineering is the first comprehensive resource for heart valve engineering that covers a wide range of topics, including biology, epidemiology, imaging and cardiovascular medicine. It focuses on valves, therapies, and how to develop safer and more durable artificial valves. The book is suitable for an interdisciplinary audience, with contributions from bioengineers and cardiologists that includes coverage of valvular and potential future developments. This book provides an opportunity for bioengineers to study all topics relating to heart valve engineering in a single book as written by subject matter experts. - Covers the depth and breadth of this interdisciplinary area of research - Encompasses a wide range of topics, from basic science, to the translational applications of heart valve engineering - Contains contributions from leading experts in the field that are heavily illustrated

It was the genius of Gordon Murray in Toronto that introduced the use of allografts into cardiac surgery in the 1950s. Soon after this on opposite sides ofthe world, Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes in Auckland, New Zealand, and Mr. Donald Ross in London, undertook to use allografts for the replacement of diseased aortic valves. Since that time the global interest in allografts has been patchy, episodic, and without a con sensus. Nonetheless, for the last 20 years at least three groups in the world have steadfastly pursued the development of new and relevant information concerning the use of allograft valves in humans. These are the centres of Sir Brian Barratt Boyes, Mr. Donald Ross, and Mark O'Brien in Brisbane. More recently, talented investigators, including Drs. Yankah, Yacoub, and others, have been developing information concerning the immunological aspects of the use of allografts, as well as their clinical use. No doubt, at present, cardiac valve allografts of one sort or another are the devices of choice for conduits and have an important place in the surgery of aortic valve replacement. Even so, in the mind of this writer at least, the future usefulness of allografts for the replacement of diseased cardiac valves and conduits between a ventricle and the pulmonary artery, remains problematic, and depends upon improvements in other devices for this purpose and upon improve ments that may be made in preparing and using allografts.

This title is a comprehensive resource of aortic regurgitation suitable for both the novice and experienced practitioner. Detailed attention is given to the recently growing field of aortic valve-sparing surgery and aortic valve repair. Guidelines are also provided for general practitioners on how to treat patients after various aortic procedures. Also included are many operative photos, original medical illustrations and schematics. Aortic Regurgitation synthesizes current knowledge of aortic valve repair into an easy-to-follow, illustration-rich text. It is therefore an indispensable guide suitable for use by cardiologists and trainees in cardiology, cardiac surgeons, echocardiographers, general practitioners and radiologists.

A major need of all cardiologists and surgeons involved with the application of allograft tissue to cardiac surgical reconstructions is met by this unique atlas. Step by step, it carefully describes the procedures involved in acquiring, sterilizing, and cryo-preserving allograft valves as well as the surgical technique used in left and right ventricular outflow tract reconstructions. All of the information needed to perform the reconstructions is given, including relevant references and applicable variations in method. Excellent illustrations accompany the description of surgical technique. All of the techniques are based on classic approaches, but assimilate the authors' modifications arrived at through vast experience. The wealth of references, illustrations and expertise in this volume make it a valuable asset for all cardiac surgeons.

Cardiac Problems in Pregnancy offers clinicians the most detailed and comprehensive guide to diagnosing and managing pregnancy-associated cardiovascular diseases currently available. Covering a wide spectrum of congenital and acquired cardiovascular conditions, its extensive contents examine diseases of the heart with an expert awareness of the implications of pregnancy and the attendant physiological changes it brings. Such guidance is vitally required in an age in which congenital and acquired heart diseases are the leading causes of non-obstetrical maternal morbidity and mortality. Featuring 36 new or extensively revised chapters, this fourth edition of the book complements coverage of the latest research and clinical advances with a complete and up-to-date bibliography of literature on pregnancy in women with cardiovascular conditions. It also serves as a practical, step-by-step companion for those caring for heart disease patients during pregnancy, labor, and the post-partum period. Contents include: Coverage of all elements of maternal cardiology Newly written chapters featuring fresh research and data Guidance on performing risk assessments and interventions both prior to and during gestation Explanations of a range of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to cardiovascular disease in pregnant patients Drawing on expertise from across the fields of cardiovascular medicine, obstetrics, anesthesiology, cardiac surgery, pharmacology, and clinical science, Cardiac Problems in Pregnancy is designed to give invaluable support to all medical professionals involved in maximizing the safety and success of cardiologically complex pregnancies.