Cardiac Anaesthesia

The John Radcliffe Hospital is a tertiary referral centre for cardiac and thoracic disease in both adults and children. There are eight consultant anaesthetists who are highly specialised in providing anaesthesia for adults and children undergoing heart and lung operations. There are also anaesthetists in training, and clinical fellows who work as part of the anaesthetic team under the close supervision of the Consultant Anaesthetists.

The Anaesthetic Department is responsible for anaesthetic services to three cardiac operating theatres, and Cardiothoracic Critical Care (CTCC). The annual caseload comprises approximately 950 adult cardiac cases of which 65% represent patients undergoing coronary bypass grafting, 20% valve repair or replacement and 15% combined or complex procedures. About 100 thoracic cases and 120 paediatric cases are performed each year. Consultant anaesthetists lead twice daily ward rounds of the Cardiothoracic Critical Care (CTCC), and supervise the postoperative intensive care of adult patients undergoing heart surgery.

The Anaesthetic Department has an active training programme in all aspects of cardiothoracic anaesthesia. This includes a journal club that takes place once per week, a multi-disciplinary lecture programme on a Friday morning, and audit, morbidity and mortality review meetings monthly.

Forthcoming paediatric cases are presented and discussed at a weekly paediatric cardiology meeting. Experience in surgical transoesophageal echocardiography is available, and there are a wide range of teaching opportunities within other parts of the directorate to which the anaesthetic trainees are welcomed. There is ongoing audit of surgical outcome and an active research programme within the cardiac unit of both clinical and laboratory based projects. Areas of particular interest include studies of myocardial metabolism, blood and blood product usage, and the use of mechanical cardiac support.

A 6 month Advanced Training Module in Cardiac Anaesthesia is available.

Cardiac Advanced Training Module Job Description and Prospectus [pdf file download when available]