Cardiothoracic Anesthesia Rotation
Dr. David Seif, CA-2, inserts a pulmonary artery catheter
The Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Section provides anesthesia for cardiac, thoracic, and other types of vascular procedures (performed by a group of 5 Surgeons) including coronary revascularizations (CABG), valve repairs and replacements, percutaneous valve implantations, thoracic aortic surgery and pediatric cardiac surgical procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. We also provide anesthesia for thoracic surgical procedures (thoracotomy or thoracoscopy), left ventricular assist device placements (LVADs), and cardiac transplantation. A majority of our thoracic surgical procedures require one-lung ventilation as well as thoracic epidural catheters for postoperative pain management. We supervise the cardiac catheterization laboratory in select situations including high-risk percutaneous interventions for coronary artery disease, pacemaker implantations or removal, and valvuloplasties. Clinical experiences include invasive monitoring of arterial and central venous pressures, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), cerebral oximetry, experience with administration of inotropes, vasopressors, vasodilators, and antiarrhythmic drugs. Residents spend a total of 2 months on Cardiothoracic Anesthesia during their CA-I and CA-II years. During the CA-III year, we offer experiences in adult or pediatric cardiac anesthesia as well as specialized training in TEE. CA-III residents may participate in collaborative research efforts with one or more of our faculty. Following completion of residency, we offer a highly competitive 1 year ACGME accredited fellowship in Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology.
Eight faculty and 2 fellows participate in clinical activities of the section with commitments to Adult Critical Care Medicine as well. Current faculty research interests relate to TEE, perioperative hemostasis and thrombosis, and multicenter outcomes research pertaining to perioperative management of steroids as well as the patient undergoing percutaneous aortic valve implantation.
Much of the teaching during this rotation is performed in perioperative settings. However, we offer a weekly Wednesday morning didactic conference. Our Wednesday morning subspecialty conferences incorporates clinical case presentations, lectures, resident presentations, research updates, journal clubs, and guest speakers from other departments. In addition, members of our section provide 6-10 presentations per year as part of the Department's resident didactic lecture series.
The Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology Section remains productive from a scholarship standpoint with our faculty participating in numerous scientific presentations, chapters, and peer-reviewed publications. Areas of focus have included intraoperative cerebral protection and mechanisms of brain injury, effects of aging on myocardial function and ischemia, perioperative pharmacologic therapy, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), perioperative hemostasis, thrombosis, and coagulation monitoring.
Questions regarding Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology may be addressed to Thomas F. Slaughter, M.D., M.H.A., Professor and Head, Section on Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, at (336) 716-3118.
Other Rotations:
Foundation Training: General OR
Primary Subspecialty Rotations:
Pediatric Anesthesia | Obstetrical Anesthesia | Regional Anesthesia & Acute Pain Management
Advanced Operative Subspecialties: Cardiothoracic Anesthesia | TEE | Anesthesia for Vascular Surgery | Neuroanesthesia | Ambulatory | Safari |
Periopeartive Subspecialty Rotations:
Chronic Pain Management | Preoperative Assessment | Post Anesthesia Care | Critical Care (Neuro ICU and Cardiac ICU) | PICU
CT Fellowship
The 12-month fellowship experience can be tailored to meet the needs of both the future academician and private practitioner. Fellows will have 8 months of clinical cardiothoracic operating room experience, 3 months of dedicated transesophageal echocardiography, and 1 month in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit. Research time will be available throughout all of these months. LEARN MORE