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Electrophysiologic anesthesia

Objectifs 

Although some procedures are performed with general anesthesia during most procedures you will receive a local anesthesia with sedation. The anesthesiologist ensures that you are comfortable and have no pain. This is referred to as monitored anesthesia care. He assures the adequate functioning of your heart rate and rhythm, your blood pressure and blood flow, and your breathing, thus ensuring the safety of you and your vital organs. In the electrophysiology laboratory, it is the anesthesiologist who is responsible for fluid and blood replacement. To monitor these vital functions he uses various modern technologies which he installs before the operation on your heart begins.

Duration 

Depending on the procedure being performed the duration of anesthesia care can vary from 1 hour to 10 hours.

Preparation 

You will be brought to the operating room after having an intravenous placed and antibiotics started.

Steps 

In the electrophysiology laboratory monitors for heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure and oxygen in the blood will be placed. Intravenous lines allowing medication delivery and fluid replacement are placed. During cases under general anesthesia, you will then be anesthetized (made to sleep), otherwise sedative medications and analgesics are given for comfort. Your procedure will then take place while you are under the careful surveillance and care of the anesthesiologist and his assistant.

Follow-up and side effects 

You will recover from your anesthesia in your hospital room. The possible side effects from your anesthesia include nausea and vomiting, pruritis, dizziness, drowsiness and sore throat. Although complications from the anesthetic are possible, serious events are, now, very rare. Be assured, your anesthesia team is with you throughout your procedure to ensure your safety and comfort!

Contact 
Department of Anesthesiology