Heart transplantation remains one of the major scientific achievements of twentieth century medicine. During the past four decades, it has evolved from an unproven experimental surgical technique to the most effective form of therapy for refractory end-stage heart disease. It has captured the public's imagination and expanded our understanding of fundamental immunologic mechanisms that are responsible for cellular and humorally-mediated immunity. Despite its successes, many clinical and scientific problems remain. One or more bouts of acute cellular or humoral (vascular) rejection will occur in over 75% of transplant recipients despite current immunosuppressive strategies. Further, rejection directly results in approximately 20% of post-transplant deaths and is believed to play a major role in the development of late allograft dysfunction and coronary vasculopathy. This book by international experts in the fields of transplantation medicine, immunobiology and cardiac imaging provides the reader with an up-to-date, consise summary of the latest developments in the diagnosis and treatment of acute cardiac rejection. It is axiomatic that a more complete understanding of the pathogenic processes involved in rejection will ultimately lead to its prevention. This volume will be useful to transplant cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, cardiac pathologists and transplant scientists who seek to prolong the lifespan and improve the quality of life of their transplant recipients.

The Oxford Textbook of Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation is the authoritative text on advanced heart failure and a key resource for clinicians caring for heart failure patients. It comes with an online version which allows you to find content quickly and easily, with intuitive search options and cross-linking, and access to downloadable content.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a screening tool called the Listing of Impairments to identify claimants who are so severely impaired that they cannot work at all and thus immediately qualify for benefits. In this report, the IOM makes several recommendations for improving SSA's capacity to determine disability benefits more quickly and efficiently using the Listings.

Cardiovascular, respiratory, and related conditions cause more than 40 percent of all deaths globally, and their substantial burden is rising, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Their burden extends well beyond health effects to include significant economic and societal consequences. Most of these conditions are related, share risk factors, and have common control measures at the clinical, population, and policy levels. Lives can be extended and improved when these diseases are prevented, detected, and managed. This volume summarizes current knowledge and presents evidence-based interventions that are effective, cost-effective, and scalable in LMICs.

This practical resource takes a close look at an emerging issue in woman's health*the gender difference in cardiovascular disease. Health care providers involved in the care of female patients can rely on this extraordinary reference for the latest coverage of cardiovascular health and disease. The new 2nd Edition features an expanded scope that offers more information on patient care approaches, risk factors, hormones and CAD, and more. New chapters cover hot topics such as estrogen, diet and nutrition, first- and second-degree prevention strategies, managing CAD, and acute coronary syndromes. A much broader scope presents more information on patient care, risk factors, hormones and CAD, and clinical manifestations of CAD. New authors bring an up-to-date perspective to material that focuses on their areas of expertise. New chapters provide the latest information on hot topics, including: Nutrition, Antioxidants and Inflammation, Primary Prevention in Women, Lessons from Human Trials, Management of Chronic Stable Angina, Acute Coronary Syndromes, Angiography and Angioplasty, Coronary Artery Surgery, Implementation Strategies for Secondary Prevention, Syndrome X and Coronary Vascular Resistance, and Normal Cardiovascular Physiology Updates and new information have been incorporated throughout, and substantial revisions have been made to chapters on: Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity, Smoking, Clotting and Thrombosis, Physical Activity, Lessons from Animal Models, Prescribing HRT, Diagnostic Testing Valvular Heart Disease, CHF and Myocardial Dysfunction, Stroke and PVD, Preexisting Heart Disease, and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies Expanded discussions of estrogen address both the underlying science and clinical applications for practice Strategies for first- and second-degree prevention of disease offer a proactive approach to treatment and patient care

This book provides a comprehensive framework for developing heart teams to manage a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Management of cardiovascular diseases has changed dramatically in recent years due to developments in evidence-based practices and treatments as well as the introduction of new devices. The sequential method of referring patients from doctor to doctor is becoming an antiquated model. The future of cardiac care lies in developing multidisciplinary "Heart Teams" to provide patient-focused treatment for complex cardiovascular problems. This volume examines the history and evolution of cardiovascular care and technology and explains why the implementation of heart teams is absolutely necessary to the future of cardiac care. It analyzes the role of heart teams for heart failure, complex coronary revascularization, mitral valve disease, cardiac imaging, aortic valve disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and women's heart health. Finally, the book explores how heart teams work with hospital administration and the broader healthcare industry. Heart Teams for Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease: A Guide for Advancing Patient-Centered Cardiac Care is an essential resource for physicians and related professionals, residents, fellows, and graduate students in cardiology, cardiac surgery, critical care medicine, and radiology.

A practical approach to the investigation and treatment of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), this fully updated Oxford Specialist Handbook is a concise and accessible overview of a complex condition. Packed with straightforward advice, management strategies and key clinical points, it equips clinicians with a sound understanding of the principles and physiology of ACHD. An ideal reference tool for cardiology trainees, general cardiologists and acute medicine physicians, this second edition of Adult Congenital Heart Disease has been fully reviewed to include new guidelines and increased illustations to aid understanding. Brand new chapters on epidemiology, heart failure, device therapy and transition and transfer of care ensure that Adult Congenital Heart Disease remains the definitive guide to supporting clinicians throughout all aspects of the patient's care.

A significant medical event is expected in 1992: the first human use of a fully implantable, long-term cardiac assist device. This timely volume reviews the artificial heart program-and in particular, the National Institutes of Health's major investment-raising important questions. The volume includes: Consideration of the artificial heart versus heart transplantation and other approaches to treating end-stage heart disease, keeping in mind the different outcomes and costs of these treatments. A look at human issues, including the number of people who may require the artificial heart, patient quality of life, and other ethical and societal questions. Examination of how this technology's use can be targeted most appropriately. Attention to achieving access to this technology for all those who can benefit from it. The committee also offers three mechanisms to aid in allocating research and development funds.

The clinical practice of anesthesia has undergone many advances in the past few years, making this the perfect time for a new state-of-the-art anesthesia textbook for practitioners and trainees. The goal of this book is to provide a modern, clinically focused textbook giving rapid access to comprehensive, succinct knowledge from experts in the field. All clinical topics of relevance to anesthesiology are organized into 29 sections consisting of more than 180 chapters. The print version contains 166 chapters that cover all of the essential clinical topics, while an additional 17 chapters on subjects of interest to the more advanced practitioner can be freely accessed at www.cambridge.org/vacanti. Newer techniques such as ultrasound nerve blocks, robotic surgery and transesophageal echocardiography are included, and numerous illustrations and tables assist the reader in rapidly assimilating key information. This authoritative text is edited by distinguished Harvard Medical School faculty, with contributors from many of the leading academic anesthesiology departments in the United States and an introduction from Dr S. R. Mallampati. This book is your essential companion when preparing for board review and recertification exams and in your daily clinical practice.