This volume is particularly valuable as a current standard reference. It covers all the major vascular operations - carotid endarterectomy, aortoiliac reconstructions and infrainguinal bypasses (in-situ and reversed vein, Dacron and PTFE prosthetic), thoracic and abdominal bypasses - matching each to its competing endovascular procedure.

In addition, it provides excellent long-term data on such less common procedures as internal carotid bypass, vertebral artery revascularization, adjunctive procedures to enhance the patency of infrainguinal prosthetic bypass, and percutaneous intentional extraluminal revascularization. Finally, this framework is reinforced by in-depth chapters on current non-interventional management, surveillance programs to enhance long-term patency, and the ultimate challenge for all practicing vascular surgeons - the management of infected aortic grafts.

Such clear, comprehensive, and current analysis should be of considerable and on-going value, both by helping vascular surgeons to make more effective decisions and to more knowledgeably discuss functional results, complication risks, life expectancy and surgical outcome issues with the patient and family.

Alain Branchereau - Department of Vascular Surgery, Hopital La Timone, France

Michael Jacobs - Department of Surgery, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands