Cardiothoracic Surgery

In cardiothoracic surgeries, unlike other procedures, the focus of the Anesthesiologist is dedicated to monitoring the heart's activity and function during and after the surgery. Prior to any procedure, the Anesthesiologist will request comprehensive information about the patient's medical condition, including any previous anesthetics and any pre-existing heart or chest-related issues. It is important to inform the Anesthesiologist about medication intake and any drug allergies, if applicable. The Anesthesiologist will determine the type of anesthesia required based on medical data, and this decision will be made in collaboration with the surgeon.

In surgeries for heart valve repair or replacement, the Anesthesiologist is also responsible for continuous transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) monitoring. TEE involves inserting a probe into the esophagus to obtain a higher-quality view of the heart chambers. The close proximity of the probe to the heart ensures the best possible image during the scan. This miniature viewing device allows for real-time assessment of the repaired or replaced valve's function during the surgery and can prevent reoperations if issues are detected. Cardiothoracic surgeries can last several hours, and the post-surgery awakening phase is longer compared to other surgeries.

The gradual and monitored awakening of the patient occurs in a dedicated intensive care unit, based on vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and the patient's pain level during the initial stages of recovery.