British Journal of Radiology 75 (2002),641 © 2002 The British Institute of Radiology
Current Status of Carotid Bifurcation Angioplasty and Stenting. Ed. by F J Veith and M Amor, pp. xiii+291, 2001 (Marcel Dekker Inc., New York), $150 ISBN 0-8247-0495-9
P R Taylor
Angioplasty of atherosclerotic carotid stenoses continues to be a highly controversial subject. Carotid endarterectomy is a proven technique associated with good, durable results. Some authorities suggest that the results from angioplasty are equivalent to surgery and that the technique should be widely applied. This is disputed by others who believe that until carotid angioplasty has been rigorously assessed in clinical trials it should continue to be considered an experimental procedure. In order to gain a consensus on this very important subject, a number of recognized experts were brought together to discuss the main controversial areas.
The first chapter of this book contains the results of the consensus questionnaire and conference. Further chapters cover all important aspects of carotid angioplasty, including selection of patients, complications of the procedure, the role of protection devices and the differing techniques that can be used.
This book contains a wealth of well referenced information, however, there are some drawbacks. For example, several chapters contain the same information, which is inevitable in a multi-authored book, there is an overall lack of structure to the book and, by definition, it will quickly become out of date. However, as a state-of-the-art book it is an excellent source of information. The price of $150 may be too high for individuals but centres involved in carotid angioplasty will consider it money well spent.
