Heart Disease: A textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 5/E, edited by Eugene Braunwald, W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia (1997) 2143 pages, illustrated, $125.00 ISBN: 9‐7216‐5666‐8

Abstract

This book is a multiauthored text on the mechanisms involved in the onset and perpetuation of atrial and ventricular fibrilla-tion, and the design and clinical use of device therapy for these arrhythmias. The book is the ninth volume in the Bakken Research Center Series, the purpose of which is to provide a forum for basic researchers and clinicians to exchange knowledge on fundamental problems in cardiology by reviewing the latest research and clinical applications. Previous volumes have covered such topics as basic pacing, cardiomyoplasty, defibrillators, and agal control of the heart. The current volume is designed to re-\ basic research in atrial and ventricular fibrillation and to W clinical aspects of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ILL ") for management of these problems. The book is divided into five sections: sudden cardiac death, ventricular fibrillation and defibrillation. atrial fibrillation and defibrillation, clinical aspects of ICD therapy, and fundamental aspects of ICD therapy. The basic research emphasis of the book is illustrated by some of the covered topics, such as the pathology of sudden cardiac death; animal models for the study of sudden cardiac death; and the mapping, onset, and termination of both atrial and ventricular fibrillation. Other topics of a fundamental nature include the role of ventricular dilatation in ventricular fib-rillation and electrical remodeling in atrial fibrillation. Clinical issues are covered less comprehensively, although there are sections on medical management of atrial and ventricular arrhyth-mias and the indications and complications of ICD therapy. More clinically oriented research topics, such as quality of life, psychological and social aspects of ICD therapy. and statistical issues involving ICD clinical trials, are also covered.