The history of anesthesia for thoracic surgery
Brodsky, J.B.; Lemmens, H.J.M.
Minerva Anestesiologica 73(10): 513-524
2007
ISSN/ISBN: 0375-9393 PMID: 17380101 Document Number: 605936
Today, thoracic surgeons routinely perform complex operations on even the most complicated patient. However, just 75 years ago the ability to operate within the chest was strictly limited to only the simplest and quickest procedures. The dramatic advances in the specialty of thoracic surgery have closely paralleled the introduction of new anesthetic practices, equipment and drugs. This review will identify major events in the history of anesthesia for thoracic surgery.