Abstracto

Cardiac catheterization techniques under anaesthesia.

Tesfaye Carvalho

The role of anesthesiologists in cardiac catheterization lab diagnostic and interventional procedures has changed significantly over the past 20 years. The anesthesiologist faces a number of difficulties in the catheterization laboratory setting, including an unknown isolated location, radiation exposure, a lack of worker assistance and interaction with cardiologists. Anesthesiologists employed in catheterization labs are expected to possess the necessary understanding of the process, the setting, the people involved, the fluoroscope, the echocardiography and the type of radio contrast dye. Any person who is exposed to a radiation environment is required to take precautions against the exposure and wear a dosimeter for tracking cumulative exposure.