200 The Annals of Thoracic Surgery Vol 24 No 2 August 1977

Congenital Malformations of the Heart Edited by D. A . Goor, M.D. , and C . W. Lillehei, M.D. Ph.D. Grune b Stratton, New York, 1975 432 p p , illustrated, $32.50

Reviewed b y Anthony R. C . Dobell, M.D.

The subtitle of this excellent book reads ”Embryol- ogy, Anatomy and Operative Considerations,” and I believe this is the first such book written by surgeons for surgeons. Its strength is in the description of nor- mal and abnormal embryology and anatomy and in the concepts advanced as a result of prolonged study of anatomical specimens. Thus readers will acquire a refreshing new view of atrioventricular canal malfor- mations, a view that is soundly based on pathological studies and that improves our understanding of the lesion and its operative treatment. Other strong sec- tions describe the developmental anatomy of the ven- tricular septum and the embryology of the conotrun-

The book was written to illustrate the authors’ viewpoint, and the references are to a large extent from the University of Minnesota. I point this out not as a criticism but because I find it much easier to read a book with a point of view rather than an ency- clopedic review.

The book is weak in the entire area of neonatal surgery. Nevertheless, I recommend it strongly to all surgeons treating children with congenital heart dis- ease. The first prerequisite for us all is to understand the lesion in any individual patient, and this book is of great value in this regard.

cus.

Montreal, Que, Canada

Gibbon’s Surgery of the Chest (3rd ed) Edited b y D . L. Sabiston, Jr., M.D., and Frank C. Spencer, M.D. W. B . Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 1976 1,592 p p , illustrated, $30.00

Reviewed by Harris B Shumacker, M.D.

The third edition of this important text is as complete and up-to-date as it could possibly be. Its freshness and fullness are indicated by the list of contributors. Forty-eight authors wrote chapters in the smaller sec- ond edition, and 31 of them are participants in the present volume. They have been joined by 66 addi- tional knowledgeable workers, and all have done a first-rate job. This has permitted the editors to add important subjects of interest that were not covered in the previous editions. Included are both controversial

and firmly established aspects of cardiovascular and thoracic surgery. It is natural that a book dealing with an evolving, changing, growing field such as this one contains statements, opinions, and recommendations with which not all well-informed readers will be in complete agreement, as well as a few statements that readers will judge to be erroneous on the basis of available objective data. Undoubtedly the next edi- tion will reveal new developments and some differing attitudes. In general, this book is as informative and unbiased as is possible. Over 1,500 pages long, nicely printed and well illustrated, it touches upon almost every conceivable aspect of thoracic and cardiovascu- lar surgery.

This superb work should prove to be of immense value to students, residents, practitioners, and teachers. Indeed, it is difficult to see how anyone interested in this surgical specialty could be without it.

It is most appropriate that this volume is dedicated to John Gibbon’s devoted wife and scientific col- laborator, Mary, who is loved and respected by all who have known her and her husband, a pioneer thoracic surgeon, teacher, and investigator.

Indianapolis, IN

Heart and Coronary Arteries Edited by Wallace A. McAlpine, M.D. N e w York, Springer-Verlag, 1975 244 p p , illustrated, $86.00

Reviewed by Hassan Najafi, M . D .

The significance of understanding gross anatomy in the proper application of surgical techniques cannot be overemphasized. This principle takes on a vast dimension in the surgical treatment of heart disease, particularly in operations involving cardiac valves and coronary arteries.

The elegant anatomical illustrations presented in this volume are combined with superb descriptive detail, culminating more than fifteen years of dedi- cated, imaginative, and precise investigation. The atlas is based on information derived in a unique and innovative manner, utilizing more than 1,000 human and 300 animal hearts, and is complemented by mag- nificent correlative color drawings for easy com- prehension. The unquestionable intense dedication of the author and his ability to take advantage of recent spectacular advances in photographic tech- niques have led to the creation of a masterpiece-a priceless addition to any library.

Chicago, I L