The term "anesthesia" comes from two Greek terms: (1) "an" -- without; and (2) "aisthesis" -- feeling. (An-aisthesis -- without feeling). Historically, the modern period of surgical anesthesia began approximately 150 years ago with the first use of "anesthetic vapors" such as ether and chloroform. Much has changed since those early beginnings. During the last 20 years, anesthesiology has been one of the fastest growing and most improved specialties in American medicine.  There have been major technological breakthroughs in virtually every corner of the specialty. Medications which we are now using for anesthesia are tremendously improved. Training of physicians and nurses in the field enables safe and effective use of these advancements. The result is an improvement in overall anesthetic quality and comfort unmatched in the past. For example, during the last 15 years alone, deaths directly resulting from anesthesia in the operating room have been reduced twenty-fold.

Types of Anesthesia

Your Anesthesiologist will determine the best possible anesthesia for you after considering your health, your wishes, and the nature of the operation. Our facilities have state-of-the art monitoring equipment, which enables providers to deliver the safest care possible.

Subspecialty Areas:

• Cardiac Anesthesia  Critical Health Systems’ Raleigh Practice Center is responsible for the anesthetic care for all cardiac surgery cases performed at Rex Hospital. This care encompasses:

• A preoperative anesthesia evaluation performed by one of our physicians;

• Arterial and pulmonary artery catheter placement;

• Intraoperative needs for cardiovascular supportive drugs and blood product transfusion, when necessary;

• Transport to the Cardiothoracic Surgery Recovery Intensive Care Unit (CTRU);

• Assistance with postoperative mechanical ventilator management;

• Assistance with sedation and postoperative pain management in the CTRU.

In addition, intra-operative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) monitoring is performed for most patients undergoing valve repair or replacement surgery, and for other cardiac surgery patients where appropriate.

A number of our physicians have completed post-residency fellowship training in cardiothoracic anesthesia, and have also completed training in the use of transesophageal echocardiography.

• Thoracic Anesthesia

Critical Health Systems’ Raleigh Practice Center provides the anesthetic care for all thoracic surgical procedures at Rex and Raleigh Community Hospitals. Particular anesthetic needs for thoracic surgery frequently include:

• Placement of a special type of endotracheal tube which allows separate ventilation of one lung or the other during surgery;

• Placement of arterial and central venous (CVP) catheters;

• Placement of an epidural catheter – much like those used for laboring women – for postoperative pain relief;

• Assistance with postoperative management in the intensive care unit.

• Critical Care Medicine

Critical Health Systems' Raleigh Practice Center are available as
primary consultants in all intensive care (critical care) units at Rex
Hospital and Raleigh Community Hospital. 
Our physicians are specialists in:

• Ventilatory support for respiratory failure

• Hemodynamic monitoring and management

• Intravascular monitor placement

• Nutritional and metabolic support

• Management of sedation and analgesia

A number of our physicians have completed post-residency fellowship
training in critical care medicine.
 

• Pediatric Anesthesia

• Obstetric Anesthesia

• Ambulatory Anesthesia

• Pain Management

  • Carolina Pain Consultants

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