Texas Anesthesia Group, P.A.

Anesthesia Terms:

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Anesthesia – a word that is used to describe a loss of feeling and the prevention of pain in the body.

Anesthesia team – is a group of medical professionals that are involved in anesthesia care. It can be made up of anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and anesthesiologist assistants (AAs).

Anesthesiologist - a physician that specializes in anesthesiology. Anesthesiologists work with patients before, during, and after surgery. Anesthesiologists are required to complete four years of medical school, one year of internship, and then three or more years of anesthesiology residency.

Anesthesiologist Assistant - a highly skilled allied health care professional who works under the anesthesiologist’s directions to assist with anesthesia care plans

Anesthesiology - the practice of medicine that specializes in the application of anesthesia. Resuscitation, intensive respiratory care, and pain management is also part of the practice of anesthesiology.

Anesthetic: An anesthetic is a medication that can be administered to create anesthesia (a loss of sensation) and may or may not cause a loss of consciousness.

Arterial line placements: An arterial line is a thin, flexible tube called a catheter that is inserted into an artery. It is usually used to monitor blood pressure and blood gas measurements in patients that are critically ill. Arterial lines are usually inserted into arteries at the wrist, armpit, groin, or foot.

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Brachial plexus blocks & catheter placements: A brachial plexus block is a type of regional anesthesia that delivers anesthetic medication to the area of the brachial plexus to block pain in the shoulder, arm, and hand. The brachial plexus is a series of nerves that are located in the side of the neck and travels below the collar bone towards the arm. This type of nerve block can be administered by a series of injections in the area of the brachial plexus. If pain relief is required for a longer period of time, a small tube called a catheter may be inserted into the skin that travels to the brachial plexus. This catheter can be used to deliver anesthetic as required during or following a surgery.

There are a few specific types of brachial plexus blocks: interscalene, axillary, & infraclavicular. They are named for the specific nerves that the anesthetic is administered to and the areas of the arm that are effected. The different type of brachial plexus blocks are used depending on the area that requires surgery

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Catheter: A catheter is a small, flexible tube that is used to introduce or remove fluids from the body.

Central venous line placements: A central venous line is a catheter that is inserted into a vein and is carefully guided into the large veins in the chest that lead to the heart, called the vena cava. The placement of a central venous line can allow the monitoring various specific blood pressures and heart output and/or the delivery of medications with less complications. These catheters may be inserted for long or short periods of time.

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a registered nurse that has additional training and specializes in the administration of anesthetics.

Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to diagnose problems with the lining of the large intestine (colon). This test can help diagnose the presence of tumors, the cause of bleeding, the presence of inflammation and ulcers, and other abnormalities of the colon.

Prior to this procedure, the patient will need to follow a liquid diet regimen and may be asked to take laxatives or use enemas to clean out the colon. Usually, this procedure is performed while the patient is awake. An injectable sedative is used to help the patient remain comfortable during the procedure. The endoscope is inserted into the rectum and it carefully guided into the colon perform this diagnostic test. The endoscope can take small samples of tissue called biopsies for review under a microscope. The endoscope can also remove abnormal growths such as polyps. Most patients do not remember the procedure after it is completed.

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Deliberate hypotension: Deliberate hypotension is the application of specific drugs to maintain a blood pressure that is lower than normal during surgery. Thistechnique is used in surgical cases only when it may reduce the risks and complications associated with that surgery.

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EGD: Esphagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to diagnose problems with the lining of the esophagus, pancreas, stomach, and the upper portion of the small intestine (duodenum). This test can help diagnose the cause of bleeding in the digestive tract, the presence of inflammation and ulcers, the cause of narrowings, and other abnormalities in the upper digestive system.

Usually, this procedure is performed while the patient is awake. Local anesthetic is sprayed on the back of the throat and a injectable sedative is used to help the patient remain comfortable during the procedure. The endoscope is inserted from the mouth down into the digestive system to perform this diagnostic test. The endoscope can also take small samples of tissue called biopsies for review under a microscope.

Endoscope:

Endotracheal tube: An endotracheal tube is a flexible tube that is used in anesthesia, intensive care, and emergency medicine for airway management and mechanical ventilation. This tube is inserted into the mouth, nose, or tracheostomy hole and into the trachea (“windpipe”). There are many different sizes and types of these tubes, including ones that have two ends or lumens. For mechanical ventilation, these tubes have an inflatable cuff on the end to seal off the airways to the lungs. Some types can allow one-lung ventilation and suction of lung secretions.

Epidural blood patch: An epidural blood patch is a procedure that is used to treat severe headaches that follow injections into the area around the spinal cord. Some types of injections that can cause this are epidurals, subarachnoid injections, and spinal taps. It used when other neurological damage is ruled out. Blood patches are used when a puncture in the spinal “sack” that holds the spinal cord and spinal fluid does not close following an injections. This “leak” causes the headaches. To begin the procedure, A small amount of local anesthetic is applied in the area of the original injection. Then a small amount of the patient’s blood is injected into the epidural space outside the “sack”. This blood clots and closes the puncture which will relieve the headache.

ERCP: Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio Pancreatography (ERCP) is a procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) to diagnose problems with the bile duct system and the pancreas. The endoscope injects a dye during this procedure to so x-rays can be used to to take pictures of the bile duct system and pancreas.

The liver creates bile to aid in the digestion and absorption of fats. The bile ducts carry bile from the liver to the main bile duct. This duct connects to the cystic duct that is connected to the gallbladder. The gallbladder stores bile and releases it after meals into the common bile duct and into the small intestine. Ducts from the pancreas also join the pancreas at the same point as the common bile duct. The ducts from the pancreas also deliver secretions that aid in digestion. ERCP can help diagnose stones, tumors, and other blockages of this system of ducts in cases of abnormalities of the liver and/or pancreas.

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Fascia iliaca blocks:

Femoral nerve blocks and catheter placements: A femoral nerve block is a type of regional anesthesia that delivers anesthetic medication to the area of the sciatic nerve to block pain in the anterior thigh and knee. When combined with a sciatic nerve block, it is effective in blocking pain to the entire leg. The femoral nerve is a large nerve that is located in the front of the thigh. This type of nerve block can be administered by a series of injections in the upper area of the femoral nerve. If pain relief is required for a longer period of time, a small tube called a catheter may be inserted into the skin. This catheter can be used to deliver anesthetic as required during or following a surgery.

A femoral nerve block may be used with surgery on knee and the front of the thigh. A femoral nerve block can used in combination with a sciatic nerve block during a surgical procedure involving the entire leg. This block may be used alone following a surgical procedure for post-op pain relief.

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Liposuction: Liposuction is a procedure that uses specialized devices to remove excess fat from the body. There are different types of liposuction and they may involve the injection of fluid or the use of ultrasound in the area to be treated. This aids in the removal of the fatty tissue by suction.

Depending on the size of the area to be treated and the type of liposuction to be used, this procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia.

Lumbar plexus blocks and catheter placements: A lumbar plexus block is a type of regional anesthesia that delivers anesthetic medication to the area of the lumbar plexus to block pain in the front and inner portions of the leg. When combined with a sciatic nerve block, it is effective in blocking pain to the entire leg. The lumbar plexus is a series of nerves located in deep in the belly to the side of the spine. This type of nerve block can be administered by a series of injections in the area of the lumbar plexus. If pain relief is required for a longer period of time, a small tube called a catheter may be inserted into the skin to the area of the lumbar plexus. This catheter can be used to deliver anesthetic as required during or following a surgery.

A lumbar plexus block may be used with _______. A lumbar plexus nerve block can used in combination with a sciatic nerve block during a surgical procedure involving the entire leg. This block may be used alone following a surgical procedure for post-op pain relief.

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One-lung ventilation: One-lung ventilation refers to the use of a device that is used to inflate and deflate the one of the lungs (right or left) during surgery or in a patient who has lost the ability to breathe on their own. This may be performed if the other lung is damaged (due to disease or trauma) or if the other lung requires surgery (such as removal of a tumor). Special tubes called endotracheal tubes are inserted into he mouth or nose, through the trachea (“wind pipe”), and into the lung to be ventilated. Extra care must be taken avoid damage to the ventilated lung while maintaining adequest oxygen flow into the lungs and body.

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Sciatic nerve blocks & catheter placements: A sciatic nerve block is a type of regional anesthesia that delivers anesthetic medication to the area of the sciatic nerve to block pain in the ankle and foot. When combined with a femoral nerve block or a lumbar plexus block, it is effective in blocking pain to the entire leg. The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that is located on the back of the thigh. This type of nerve block can be administered by a series of injections in the upper area of the sciatic nerve. If pain relief is required for a longer period of time, a small tube called a catheter may be inserted into the skin. This catheter can be used to deliver anesthetic as required during or following a surgery.

Typically, a sciatic nerve block is used in combination with a femoral nerve block during a surgical procedure to block pain in the entire leg. A sciatic nerve block may be used alone following a surgical procedure for post-op pain relief.

Spinal drain placements: A spinal drain is a catheter (a very thin flexible tube) that is placed in the spine and into the spinal “sack” that holds the spinal cord. This catheter drains fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF surrounds the spinal cord and the brain. Draining this fluid reduces pressure on the brain that may occur following trauma or brain surgery.

Swan Ganz line placements: A Swan Ganz line, also known as a right heart catheter,is a small tube that is inserted into the neck or groin area. This catheter is carefully guided into the heart, through the tricuspid and pulmonary valve, and into the pulmonary arteries. Once in place this catheter measure blood pressure inside the pulmonary artery. This procedure can be used to diagnose an monitor certain heart conditions and may also be used in cases of shock and kidney disease.

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Total hip arthroplasties: A total hip arthroplasty (also known as a total hip replacement) is a surgery that replaces a damaged or painful hip joint with a artificial joint. This surgery is performed if alternatives such as activity modification and medications are not effective. In this surgery, the joint surfaces of the femur (the thigh bone) and the hip bone are removed and replaced with an artificial joint. The artificial joint is usually made of some combination of metal, plastic and/or ceramic.

A total hip replacement is usually performed under general anesthesia. Anesthetic injections, patient-controlled analgesia, or an epidural may be used for pain control for the first few days following this surgery.

Total knee arthroplasties: A total knee arthroplasty (also known as a total knee replacement) is a surgery that replaces a damaged or painful knee joint with a artificial joint. This surgery is performed if alternatives such as activity modification and medications are not effective. In this surgery, the joint surfaces of the femur (the thigh bone) and the tibia (one of the leg bones) are removed and replaced with an artificial joint. The artificial joint is usually made of some combination of metal, plastic and/or ceramic.

A total knee replacement is usually performed under general anesthesia. Anesthetic injections, patient-controlled analgesia, or an epidural may be used for pain control for the first few days following this surgery.

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