The mitral valve’s complex geometry is usually described as a “saddle shape”, but I definitely prefer the comparison to Pringles chips! Here’s an illustration…

Nitric oxide is a molecule normally made by vascular endothelial cells to decrease vascular resistance in both the systemic and pulmonary circulations. Inhaled nitric…

As a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist, I’m accustomed to meeting patients for the first time less than an hour before large cardiac and thoracic surgeries. During…

Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is routinely utilized during mechanical ventilation to improve alveolar recruitment and combat cyclic trauma from repeated deflation/expansion of the alveolar…

Blood conservation strategies are routinely utilized in cardiac surgery with the aim of reducing the overall need for transfusions. Things like Cell Saver, retrograde…

Over the course of my training, I’ve taken care of many incarcerated patients in the perioperative and intensive care settings. The overwhelming majority of…