Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital

Pediatric cardiac anesthesiologists at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital are skilled in accommodating the unique needs of children who are undergoing surgical procedures for heart problems. They administer sedatives and anesthetics to keep even the youngest of patients as calm and comfortable as possible. They also monitor vital signs before, during and after operations to help facilitate a smooth transition to recovery. Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital has a full-time pediatric cardiac anesthesia team to provide care to young patients.

Why Pediatric Specialization Matters in Anesthesia

Children are not tiny adults. While that may seem obvious to you, it's a critical point to discuss. Because a child's needs are so specific, it's absolutely necessary to choose an anesthesiologist that specializes in pediatrics when making decisions regarding your child's surgery.

The pediatric anesthesiologists at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital are specially trained in pediatric anesthesia. This means they are skilled, experienced and well-equipped to provide, specialized care for your child before, during and after surgery.

Choosing an Anesthesia Protocol

Anesthetic requirements vary widely from one patient to the next, depending on many factors, such as the patient's age, size, condition and the type of medical procedure being performed.

In order to develop an ideal anesthesia plan for a patient having major surgery or cardiac catheterization, the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will review the patient's medical record and conduct a preoperative interview to verify and discuss the patient's medical history.

The interview is an important precursor to surgery, as there are many kinds of preexisting medical conditions (e.g., asthma or allergies) that may affect the decision to choose one anesthesia protocol over another. The interview is also an excellent time for the patient and family to ask any questions they may have about what to expect before, during and after surgery. Younger children receive answers to their questions at an age-appropriate level.

When it is time for the operation, the patient will receive anesthesia via oral medication, an IV, and/or inhalation through a mask or tube. Younger and more excitable children may take a preoperative sedative to help them relax.

What Happens During and After Surgery?

Throughout the operation, the anesthesiologist continually observes the patient's vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and respiration. If necessary, adjustments are made to the anesthesia dosage. After the operation is over, the anesthesiologist continues to monitor the patient's vital signs to help achieve a safe and timely recovery from the anesthesia's effects. If additional pain medications are needed when the patient regains consciousness, the anesthesiologist coordinates the administration of these medications with other physicians and nurses in the recovery room or cardiac intensive care unit (ICU).

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the Cardiac Center at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, please call 954-265-3437.