Anesthesiology
 
Anesthesiology
 

Cardiothoracic Anesthesia

Message from Division Leader, Dr. Peter Von Homeyer

Montefiore Einstein's Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology division has a long history of excellence in clinical care, research and education. The division works alongside a dedicated surgical service to enhance the care of patients requiring complex cardiac and thoracic surgery. The team members have undergone advanced training and board certification in perioperative echocardiography to meet the needs of our patients and to guide care during these complex operations. With a focus on inclusion and team building, the division has created an environment committed to the advancement of cardiothoracic anesthesia.

A Center of Excellence

Montefiore Einstein is a national leader in adult and pediatric cardiology, ranking #31 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals for Cardiology & Heart Surgery list of more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide. The Montefiore Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care is one of Montefiore Einstein’s renowned Centers of Excellence, and the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery was awarded the highest three-star rating by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Our anesthesiologists work closely with the cardiothoracic surgery team to deliver compassionate and comprehensive care of the highest quality to patients with complex conditions that require advanced medical treatments.

Expertise and Clinical Services

Cardiothoracic anesthesiologists are trained specifically in administering anesthesia required for heart or lung surgical procedures to treat conditions including congenital heart disease, valve diseases, transplantation, and coronary artery disease. Our anesthesiologists are committed to patient safety and understand that all patients, including children, have different needs.

As part of the surgical team, our cardiothoracic anesthesiologists create a customized treatment plan for each patient. Our anesthesiologists collaborate with all specialists involved, review the patient’s medical history and preoperative test results, and explain the anesthetic care to the patient. During surgical procedures, our anesthesiologists constantly monitor the patient's vital signs including body temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure and are there to respond to ensure an excellent outcome for the patient.

State-of-the-Art Technology and Care

Cardiovascular medicine has become highly specialized, and treatments once not thought possible can now be performed with new devices or minimally invasive techniques. Our cardiothoracic anesthesiologists use the most technologically advanced equipment and techniques in caring for the 1,000 cardiac patients each year whose surgeries require use of the heart-lung machine, as well as for approximately 250 other cardiac and pulmonary surgery patients annually.

The impact of Montefiore Einstein’s Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology division extends beyond the operating room. We are proud to be the recipient of an NIH Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) for the use of remote patient monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing physicians to care for patients safely and effectively.

Montefiore Einstein has also been recognized as a Mitral Valve Repair Reference Center by the Mitral Foundation and the American Heart Association. The Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology team was an essential part of the collaborative efforts that led to this prestigious award.

Research & Clinical Trials

Montefiore Einstein's Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology division is committed to advancing the field of anesthesiology through leading-edge research. The division is involved in multiple clinical trials aimed at improving cardiovascular and thoracic patient care. With a focus on academic achievement, the team regularly contributes to multiple peer reviewed publications and ongoing research projects. Montefiore Einstein’s Cardiothoracic Anesthesia division has also received grants to study the use of advanced monitoring to predict RV failure and has been selected as one of the few sites in the country to participate in a large, randomized study to assess transfusion requirements during cardiac surgery.

Our Team

Montefiore Einstein's exceptionally educated and experienced cardiothoracic anesthesiologists provide the highest quality of care to ensure the best possible outcomes for each patient. Our physicians are also committed to training the next generation of cardiothoracic anesthesiologists and manage a leading Adult Cardiothoracic Anesthesia fellowship program.

Meet the Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology team.