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Even with the growth of minimally invasive surgical techniques, many cardiac surgeries still require that a machine take over the functions of the heart and lungs while the heart is repaired. The supervision of this "bypass" (or heart-lung) machine is the responsibility of the anesthesiologist, in conjunction with the cardiac surgeon and perfusionist (a medical professional with special training in this task). Children's Hospital Boston has five dedicated and highly experienced pediatric perfusionists.
In carrying out each of these duties, the anesthesiologist's primary concern is to shield each patient from pain and anxiety, support critical bodily functions and minimize the risks associated with surgery.
Physicians at Children's Hospital Boston continually re-examine the standard methods of anesthesiology, and work to develop better, more reliable practices for protecting heart, lung and brain function and blood circulation during anesthesia. Their record of innovation and publication has made them leaders in the field.
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