Advanced Cardiac Anesthesia by Board-Certified Specialists
At ANSPEC, We believe that exceptional surgical outcomes begin with expert perioperative care. Our group is comprised of board-certified anesthesiologists dedicated to providing the highest standards of safety and clinical excellence. From pre-operative assessment to post-operative recovery, the ANSPEC team utilizes the latest evidence-based protocols to ensure every patient experience is managed with precision and compassion.
Serving the Tidewater for over 30 years, we’ve partnered with Sentara Health to deliver specialized cardiothoracic anesthesia services.
What is a cardiac anesthesiologist?
A cardiac anesthesiologist is a board-certified physician who has completed advanced fellowship training specifically in the management of patients undergoing complex heart, lung, and blood vessel surgeries. Unlike general anesthesia, cardiac anesthesia requires expert management of hemodynamics through the constant monitoring and adjustment of blood flow, pressure, and heart rhythm in real-time. Because heart surgery often involves the use of a cardiopulmonary bypass machine (which temporarily takes over the functions of the heart and lungs), these specialists are responsible for maintaining your life-sustaining functions while the heart is surgically stopped and then carefully restarted. The cardiac anesthesiologist balances complex medication infusions and advanced technology to protect the brain, kidneys, and other vital organs, ensuring the most stable environment possible for a successful recovery.
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Beyond monitoring vitals, our specialists utilize Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE). TEE involves the use of a specialized ultrasound probe that provides the surgical team with live, high-resolution images of the heart’s valves and chambers during the procedure. Cardiac anesthesiologists use TEE to guide decision-making throughout open heart surgery and catheter based heart procedures. They assess the mechanism and severity of valve disease, assess heart function, adequacy of repairs and guide placement of invasive devices.