The anesthesia team assumes primary responsibility for management of blood gas exchange, respiratory function, circulatory parameters, heart rhythm and infusions of vasopressor, vasodilator and inotropic drugs.
Preoperative evaluation is emphasized.
Cardiovascular physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology are taught. We emphasize continuous monitoring and interpretation of cardiovascular data including echocardiographic images. A major goal of the training program in cardiac anesthesia is to learn the principles of anesthetic management of patients with all types of cardiac disease, which can be applied to non-cardiac, as well as cardiac, surgical patients. At the completion of the CA-2 year, the resident should be capable of managing straightforward cardiac cases. Residents may elect three, six or twelve month rotations during their CA-3 year and will assume increasing responsibility for the management of more complex cases.