The Cardiac Center at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
Anesthesiology
Anesthetics are medications that prevent the pain and discomfort of
medical procedures. They are administered in many different situations, ranging
from minimally invasive catheter procedures to major surgery.
Recognizing the importance of our patients’ comfort and safety, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital has a full-time pediatric anesthesia team to provide personalized attention to patients undergoing major 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 he or she will have.
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 pre-operative interview to verify and discuss the patient’s medical history.
The interview is an important precursor to surgery, as there are many kinds of pre-existing 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 will be given answers at an age-appropriate level to help them understand.
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 will also have the benefit of a pre-operative 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.
Adjustments are made to the anesthesia dosage if necessary. After the operation
is over, the anesthesiologist continues to monitor the patient’s vital
signs to help ensure 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 ICU.
“Our dedicated pediatric cardiac anesthesia team will be with you from the pre-operative period to discharge. We will be there every heartbeat of the way,” says Luis Salcedo, MD, Director of Pediatric Anesthesia.
