The enhanced scope of cardiac anesthesia practice

C ARDIAC ANESTHESIA has experienced continued technologic and medical advancement, which broadened the responsibilities of the cardiac anesthesiologist.Until recently, the major goal of cardiac anesthesia was the delivery of a safe anesthetic while providing suitable conditions for the surgical procedure.The current practice of the cardiac anesthesiologist is focused on providing high-quality care in a cost-efficient manner while developing a specialty through research and education.This current focus has expanded the opportunities and responsibilities of the anesthesiologist within the health care system and specifically in the care of patients during the perioperative period.The role of the anesthesiologist has evolved from the traditionally isolated setting of the operating room to include the admission evaluation center (preoperative evaluation and testing), multidisciplinary planning committees, echocardiography laboratories, and surgical intensive care units.This enhanced scope of practice provides opportunities for patient care and for leadership in hospital administration and demonstrates the pivotal role of the cardiac anesthesiologist in the perioperative care of today's cardiac patient.It is these relationships that form the new dynamics of our current delivery of cardiac anesthetic care.