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Vascular disease has affected mankind since at least the beginning of recorded history. Ancient Egyptian mummies show evidence of calcification, atheromatous lesions, and other degenerative changes in the aorta, coronary, and peripheral arteries. Only since the mid-twentieth century, however, has vascular care evolved into a distinct specialty. To a great extent, this specialty owes its existence to surgical experience gained during wartime. Other important advances include the development of synthetic grafts and, later, of angioplasty procedures. Today, owing to the advent of minimally invasive technologies, the endovascular approach is widely used in the repair of vascular lesions. As the average age of the population continues to rise and as obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions take a growing toll, the need for vascular treatment can only be expected to increase.
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The present book, Peripheral Arterial Disease, edited by my colleague and friend Ray Dieter Jr. and his sons Ray Dieter III and Robert Dieter, is a welcome addition to the literature about vascular disorders. This comprehensive, multiauthored volume covers all the major organ systems involved in peripheral arterial disease. In addition to discussing the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of such disease, the authors cover various supporting services that are integral to vascular care. The text is enhanced by a generous array of references, figures, and tables, all presented in an eye-pleasing format.
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I congratulate the editors for producing this excellent volume, which should be an outstanding reference book for clinicians, researchers, and other professionals concerned with the management of peripheral arterial disease.
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President Emeritus And Surgeon-In-Chief
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