Clinical Sections

Perioperative and Adult Anesthesia

Neuroanesthesia

The Neuroanesthesia Team is responsible for the anesthetic care of patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures including craniotomies for brain tumors, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations, carotid endarterectomies, posterior fossa surgeries, epilepsy surgeries, complex spinal surgery, and stereotactic and interventional neurovascular techniques.

Teaching opportunities are abundant in neuroanesthesia. The neuroanesthesia experience is broadened by an introduction to neurosurgical intensive care issues. Along with the more common critical care management concerns such as cardiorespiratory support, further opportunities are provided to consider the management of serious perioperative problems (e.g., those associated with spinal and cerebral head trauma, raised intracranial pressure, acute stroke or cerebral hemorrhage/cerebral vasospasm, and neurologically-associated endocrinopathies).

Potential clinical and basic science research opportunities exist in the areas of epilepsy, cerebral vascular disease, magnetic resonance imaging, intraoperative monitoring, and the effects of anesthetics on cerebral vasculature and brain receptors. Training opportunities exist for young researchers. Mentoring is available to design experimental protocols, to analyze data collected, and to publish completed studies.

Yale-New Haven Hospital has a reputation for excellence in the surgical management of intractable seizures and cerebral vascular lesions. Consequently, a large number of these difficult and challenging cases are handled yearly. Thus, the Neuroanesthesia service offers a continuum of advanced subspecialty clinical training while fostering a solid foundation for research and academic excellence.