A Practice of Cardiac Catheterization

Gone are the days when cardiac catheterization was learned apprentice-journeyman style by observing or assisting in a few "caths," and when procedures were limited, apparatus primitive and results often questionable. The increase in scope and sophistication of these procedures now requires manual dexterity enhanced by thorough knowledge of principles and considerable self-catechism concerning both the dangers and the manifold possibilities. Dr. Mendel points out that modern instrumentation and training will almost always produce a correct, detailed diagnosis, and his discussion is a superb presentation of the kinds of preparation needed. His modesty leads him to include a few chapters written by or with others in certain specialized aspects (eg, indicatordilution curves) of the "craft of catheterization."

This book features practical detail backed by theory, as well as concern for the patient's physical and mental well-being. The check lists of procedures and instruments are invaluable. A good, brief discussion of research