Once your cardiothoracic surgeon has determined that he can perform an operation to make your heart better, he will refer you to a cardiac anesthesiologist in consultation. This is sometimes referred to as the anesthesia pre-operative evaluation. In Waterbury, the cardiothoracic surgeons and the cardiac anesthesiologists work in very close conjunction with each other and so this consultation will usually occur on the same day that you see your surgeon.

The cardiac anesthesia consultation serves several purposes. First it allows the cardiac anesthesiologist to obtain your medical history. Second he will perform a physical exam during your visit with him. Third, the consultation gives him an opportunity to review all of the studies (eg, EKG, stress test, echo, nuclear medicine, cardiac catheterization, etc.) that you have undergone. Fourth he will tailor your anesthetic and your medical care to meet your needs optimally.

During your visit with him, the cardiac anesthesiologist will discuss with you what he plans to do, how and why he plans to do it and he will answer any questions that you or your family may have. He will discuss the risks and benefits of the anesthetic which are separate and distinct from the surgery’s. He will obtain a consent for anesthesia at this time and discuss with you any options or alternatives that may be available. He may also provide you with some prescriptions and instructions.

Once your anesthesiologist sees you, he will usually refer you back to your primary care physician for a visit before the date of your surgery. The purpose of this is to make sure that he has obtained all of the information regarding your medical history and that your medical condition is the best it can be for surgery. When he has completed his evaluation, the anesthesiologist will discuss his plan with the surgeon so they can co-ordinate their activities.

On the day of your operation your cardiac anesthesiologist will see you and your family in the Cardiovascular unit (CVU). He will review some information on the chart and give you and your family a chance to ask any questions not already answered. He will place an IV catheter if the nurses there have not already done so and he will place a similar catheter in an artery (most often the right wrist) so that he can monitor your blood pressure every time your heart beats. Then he will transport you to the operating room.

Once you arrive in the operating room, you will be asked to move from the bed to the operating room table. Some ekg pads will be placed on your skin, a small light will be gently placed on your finger and a blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm. Your anesthesiologist will ask you to breath some oxygen through a mask and he will give some medicine in your IV that will make you sleep. Once you are asleep he will place a breathing tube and some other equipment to help him conduct the very best anesthetic and help your surgeon perform the very best operation. When you awaken you will be in the CVU and your operation will be over.