Cardiac Anesthesia

Procedure Description:

Anesthesia During Heart Surgery
The Preoperative Evaluation
On the Day of Surgery
In the Operating Room
After Surgery

Anesthesia During Heart Surgery

Cardiac anesthesia is a subspecialty within anesthesiology. Many cardiac patients have significant heart disease and other medical problems that complicate their medical care. It is not uncommon for cardiac patients to have hypertension, diabetes, lung disease, and other diseases that make the management of anesthesia during surgery more complex. The anesthesiologist works as a member of the cardiac team to ensure that you are safe and comfortable during surgery.

Spectrum anesthesiologists have substantial experience and training in cardiac anesthesia. Because of our relationship with the top heart centers in Maine, Spectrum anesthesiologists care for thousands of patients requiring heart surgery each year. Anesthesiologists use intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cutting-edge technology to obtain precise information to help guide surgical interventions, drug support, and fluid administration in the perioperative period.

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The Preoperative Evaluation

Patients scheduled for cardiac surgery will have a preoperative evaluation. During the evaluation, you will have an opportunity to ask any question you may have about your anesthesia care. Your medical history will be reviewed and the anesthesiologist will meet you prior to your surgery discuss what will happen during your cardiac anesthesia.

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On the Day of Surgery

To reduce anxiety, the anesthesiologist may recommend that you begin with a preoperative sedative before being taken to the OR holding area. Once in the OR holding area, an intravenous (IV) and arterial line will be started. The arterial line is similar to an IV except that it is placed in the radial artery. The A-line allows for your blood pressure, heart rate, and blood chemistry to be continuously monitored during surgery.

A central venous line or pulmonary catheter will be placed just before surgery to allow medication to be administered immediately to the heart. The line or catheter also are used to monitor heart, lung, and surrounding circulation pressure and function.

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In the Operating Room

Once in the OR, heart, lung, breathing, and other monitors will be placed on you. Fresh oxygen will be delivered to you through a mask, and the anesthetic will be given to you through an IV. Once you are asleep under the general anesthesia, an endotracheal (breathing) tube is placed.

Cardiac anesthesia is specifically designed to reduce stress on your heart and body systems. During your surgery, a Spectrum anesthesiologist directs your anesthesia and manages your body’s vital functions including heart rate, blood pressure, heart rhythm, and breathing. The anesthesiologist is also responsible for fluid and blood replacement, should you require it, during surgery.

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After Surgery

After surgery, you will be transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU). Because of the anesthetic, you will be asleep after the surgery and will be placed on a ventilator (breathing) machine for a short period of time. Once you are ready to breath on your own, the ventilator will be removed. During your recovery from surgery, you will be continuously monitored.

Our goal during your heart surgery is to make you as safe and comfortable as possible. We are always available to answer your questions. You can reach an anesthesiologist by calling the main hospital number and asking for the anesthesiology office.

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