Manual of Otolaryngology

There have been only one or two books in English which systematically introduce the beginner to the practical complexities of cardiac catheterization and related procedures. This void has now been admirably filled by this book, which covers succinctly and clearly most aspects the tyro should know about the techniques. Limitations, dangers, and complications are clearly set out, but no attempt is made to include the interpretation of data, apart from the necessary technical aspects of obtaining satisfactory pressure curves and blood samples. Methods of catheterizing the left and right side of the heart are described and illustrated, but perhaps not always in enough detail. Some important alternative sites of introducing cardiac catheters are not mentioned. There are also excellent chapters on miniature catheter techniques (by R. D. Bradley), coronary arteriography (D. H. Davies), and indicator dilution curves (I. T. Gabe). The didactic purpose of the book makes some dogmatism inevitable, but it contains a minimum of personal prejudice and idiosyncrasy. Experienced investigators may question a few of the precepts, but on the whole the advice given is sound and safe. However, more use might have been made of illustrations. Often a paragraph or two is taken to describe procedures which could have been explained better by diagram or picture. Equally helpful would have been a section on the analysis and interpretation of pressure pulses, particularly as considerable space is devoted to physical principles of pressure recording. Finally, more could have been said about the difficulties and dangers, immediate and long-term, of arteriotomy. But these are relatively minor criticisms of a book that will prove of great value to many people. It is likely to go to further editions, when such suggestions can be taken into account.