Synopsis

The book addresses the scope of cardiac catheterization and catheter-based interventions that have increased by leaps and bounds over the past fifty years. Thorough background knowledge of normal and abnormal cardiac anatomy, physiology and hemodynamics is required by the operators. We have therefore discussed these essentials in many chapters. Each chapter/set of chapters is arranged in an organized format, starting with a concise discussion of the lesion(s), followed by indications, procedural details, precautions and potential pitfalls. Contributions from a wide range of experts are amalgamated in the book. The goal has been to address a wide range of procedures/interventions available for a diverse group of diseases or defects. New emerging procedures and future directions for valvular diseases are also discussed. The book offers the spectrum of cardiac catheterization and catheter-based interventions from pediatric to geriatrics. It covers literally the scope of these procedures from ‘womb to tomb’. It is intended as a practical guide for the interventional treatment of congenital, structural heart disease, coronary and peripheral vascular diseases to be used by invasive pediatric and adult cardiologists. Wherever possible, an attempt has been made to emphasize practical aspects related to procedures; such as patient selection, absolute and relative indications, contraindications and potential complications. Some of the procedures discussed in the book are emerging techniques in the forefront of interventional cardiology, and may not be practiced in every cardiac catheterization laboratory. These represent the expertise of selected interventional cardiologists from around the world. The goal has also been to share clinical experiences in order to provide a practical procedural reference guide to catheter laboratory staff at all levels. We hope to offer guidance in acquiring these skills, while sharing the experience of using these techniques. Diagnostic catheterization only is as good as the accuracy of the acquired data and since all the interpretations are based on it. The information contained in the book is free from bias. The fundamental concepts and recommendations are based on evidence-based data, clinical guidelines and peer-reviewed research. It also represents an accumulation of knowledge, techniques and procedures that have been learned, utilized and/or developed by various experienced cardiologists with rich experiences in teaching cardiac catheterization and interventions