Patient Information for Cardiac Anesthesia

   Anesthesia is a controlled sleep state associated with temporary loss of awareness and sensation that is brought about by careful administration of medications. Our cardiothoracic anesthesiologists are board-certified anesthesiologists with advanced subspecialty training in heart and lung surgeries along with board certification in advanced perioperative transesophageal echocardiography.

   If you are coming from home on the day of surgery, you will meet your anesthesiologist for the first time that day. Patients who are already admitted to the hospital prior to their surgery date, will meet their anesthesiologist the day before their surgery. The anesthesiologist will review your medical history and provide you with a detailed anesthetic plan tailored to you. We understand that this can be an overwhelming experience and, therefore, we expect and welcome questions that you may have about your anesthetic care.

   Patients may expect to receive a relaxing medication before being escorted to the operating room. Additionally, a special IV used to monitor your blood pressure in real time, known as an arterial line, is usually placed immediately before entering the operating room. Your anesthesiologist will remain with you in the operating room throughout the surgical procedure to continuously monitor you and ensure that you are safe and pain free.

   We utilize state-of-the-art equipment to monitor your heart, blood pressure, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, pressures in your heart, as well as the function of your heart, lungs, kidney, and brain. These monitors help the anesthesiologist make appropriate medical decisions to ensure your safety throughout the surgery.

   After surgery, you will remain sleeping with medication and your anesthesiologist will accompany you to the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU). Your care will be transitioned to the intensive care doctors, nurses and physician assistants after your anesthesiologist provides a full and detailed report of your operating room course. Your anesthesiologist will visit you after surgery to check on your progress and answer any additional questions you may have.