Overview
Unlike a textbook of anatomy, which must cover all parts of the body with exhaustive thoroughness, Anatomy for Anaesthetists concentrates particularly on! areas of special relevance to anesthesia and points out features of practical importance for the day-to-day practice of anesthesia. The text is divided into sections; the respiratory pathway, the heart, the vertebral canal, the peripheral nerves and zones of anesthetic interest. Throughout the book are detailed lines for producing local anesthetic blocks. Including extensively redrawn illustrations, the seventh edition has been further revised to take into account new material on the epidural space and axilliary nerve blocks.The book contains predominantly black-and-white illustrations, with some two-color illustrations.
Synopsis
This book has been written by one of the great teachers of anatomy, working closely with two well-known teachers of anaesthesia. The book provides the detailed anatomical knowledge vital for the safe practice of anaesthesia, and is aimed at those preparing for professional examinations in anaesthesia and intensive care.
Unlike a general textbook of anatomy, which must cover the entire body, this book concentrates on areas of particular relevance to anaesthesia, highlighting features of practical importance to anaesthetists. The text is divided into nine sections: the respiratory pathway, the heart, the vertebral canal and its contents, the peripheral nerves, the autonomic nervous system, the cranial nerves, the anatomy of pain, and zones of anaesthetic interest. A new chapter on the orbit and its contents has been added to the final section.
The eighth edition has been expanded and fully updated, and includes new and enhanced illustrations.
Richard I. Cook
This is the seventh edition of this book on anatomy particularly directed to the needs of anesthetists. The book has achieved substantial standing among anesthesia practitioners, and this latest edition will maintain that position. Although intended for the practitioner, medical students, nurses, and residents in training will also find the book easy to read and possessed of a clarity of style, both in writing and illustration, that is unusual in medical texts. The eight main divisions comprise nearly 50 distinct topics in a straightforward, logically organized manner. The book is especially remarkable for the quality of the line drawings, which include careful, deliberate use of color and shading. The drawings would be useful in teaching or to help explain anatomic issues to patients and families. It is also worth noting that the choice of typeface and arrangement of text on the pages give the book a pleasing appearance that Jan Tschichold would appreciate. This book is handsome enough to serve as a gift for any practitioner.
Editorials
From The Critics
Reviewer: William A. McDade, M.D., Ph.D.(University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine)Description: This is a comprehensive written and pictorial description of the anatomy of interest to anesthesiologists. It is arranged by anatomical structure and focuses on the cardiorespiratory system, specific nerves, and specific zones of anesthetic interest. There is a brief description of the anatomy of pain perception.
Purpose: This eighth edition is written to assist the anesthesiologist in understanding all of the anatomical structures of importance in humans; it is not simply an atlas of regional anesthesia. Such an approach is laudable because anesthesiologists require expert knowledge of airway structures, the lungs and heart, the position of blood vessels, and the interrelation between structures; not simply the course of nerves to effect placement of nerve blocks. The careful descriptions and simple figures allow readers to appreciate the anatomy and frequent practical technical anesthesia points enhance the material.
Audience: The book is written for practicing anesthesiologists and is suitable for trainees. The author notes that the teaching of anatomy is necessary for the safe practice of anesthesia. Further, this is recognized by examiners who frequently ask questions on anatomy in certifying examinations making this updated, concise review most relevant.
Features: Each chapter covers an anatomical structure. The narrative provides the physical description and often the developmental anatomy. There a number of original line drawings with appropriate labeling and simple coloring. Occasionally there are specific references as to how the anatomy affects anesthetic care of patients. Technical information regarding laryngoscopy, airway assessment, placement of needles for nerve blocks, and location of vascular structures for cannulation are provided. The authors describe all the details. Unfortunately, there are no references.
Assessment: The eighth edition does not add significant new content to its predecessor, but the quality of construction of the new version is far better than that of the previous edition whose binding was poorly done and whose appearance was quite bland. However, it is still a most useful entry and should be available to any physician who desires to truly understand the anatomic relations of the structures manipulated daily in the practice of anesthesiology.
Richard I. Cook
This is the seventh edition of this book on anatomy particularly directed to the needs of anesthetists. The book has achieved substantial standing among anesthesia practitioners, and this latest edition will maintain that position. Although intended for the practitioner, medical students, nurses, and residents in training will also find the book easy to read and possessed of a clarity of style, both in writing and illustration, that is unusual in medical texts. The eight main divisions comprise nearly 50 distinct topics in a straightforward, logically organized manner. The book is especially remarkable for the quality of the line drawings, which include careful, deliberate use of color and shading. The drawings would be useful in teaching or to help explain anatomic issues to patients and families. It is also worth noting that the choice of typeface and arrangement of text on the pages give the book a pleasing appearance that Jan Tschichold would appreciate. This book is handsome enough to serve as a gift for any practitioner.Booknews
The new edition (last, 1993) of this anatomy textbook for anesthetists continues to be organized into eight chapters: the respiratory pathway; the heart; the vertebral canal and its contents; the peripheral nerves; the automatic nervous system; the cranial nerves; the anatomy of pain; and zones of anesthetic interest. It provides an understanding of the anatomy of the airway, the function of the lungs, the circulation, venous access, monitoring neuromuscular block, and many other aspects of practical anesthesia, keeping in mind the requirements of the anesthetist daily practice. This edition also includes much updated nomenclature and a number of new, single-color illustrations. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.From the Publisher
'The new edition of this popular book will be welcomed by anaesthetists at all levels of training. It is recommended for trainees, for department libraries...'Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
'A strong point of this book is the excellent style in which it is written; it flows well and is very easy to read.'
Anaesthesia and Analgesia
"I don't suppose God knows more anatomy!"
3 Stars from Doody