Services & Programs
Administering anesthesia to children requires highly developed skills and a distinct, fine-tuned approach. Our doctors are board certified in the subspecialty of pediatric anesthesia—and in some cases pediatric cardiac anesthesiology—and have years of experience working with sick children whose needs range from routine to extremely complex.
Cutting-Edge Treatments
We employ a wide spectrum of innovative and sophisticated methods and technology that ensure we can administer anesthesia in the safest, least traumatic manner possible.
We also offer:
- Patient-controlled anesthesia (PCA)
- Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA)
- Perineural catheters
- Regional nerve blocks
- Anesthesia management for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including invasive radiology, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning, cardiac catheterization, gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures and minor hematology/oncology procedures
Our clinicians are available around the clock for consultations concerning anesthesia and sedation and acute and chronic pain, as well as other questions and issues pertaining to the management of seriously ill infants, children and adolescents.
Safe, Supportive and Family-Centered Environment
Our anesthesiologists realize how unsettling a child’s surgery can be for the entire family, so we strive to create the most stress-free environment possible.
Our doctors have spent time during their training to learn the skills necessary to relate to children of all ages in ways that are appropriate to their developmental level. We understand that a hospital can be an intimidating place, particularly for a child facing surgery. We take considerable time to establish a rapport with your child, as well as the entire family.
Our team prepares parents for what will happen and how the child will look when he or she falls asleep. Almost all children are accompanied by one parent in the operating room (OR). Every step is taken to make sure that our young patients never feel threatened or scared—from the moment they arrive until the moment they are discharged.
The Division of Anesthesiology collaborates closely with the Phoebe Stein Child Life Program. Members of the Child Life staff are assigned to the OR, Radiology and Cardiac units to address in age-appropriate language what the child needs to know about the procedure he or she will undergo.
Our anesthesiologists have, in fact, been pioneers in the use of the Child Life team to employ iPads, games and other means of distraction therapy to engage and relax children in the perioperative arena. This helps to diminish their fear and anxiety and is frequently more effective than pharmaceutical intervention. Often, children fall asleep under anesthesia while peacefully holding the iPad or other device that they have been playing with.
Outpatient Pain Management Services
We are dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to children and young adults suffering from persistent pain so that that they can function comfortably and return to health and wellness.
Although many patients require only temporary postsurgical treatments for pain relief, our staff provides ongoing outpatient services for those who experience the chronic discomfort associated with a number of illnesses and disorders. These include:
- Tumors and other cancers
- Sickle cell disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Complex regional pain syndrome and other neuropathic pain disorders
- Low back pain
- Headaches
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune disorders
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
For more information on outpatient pain services or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Veronica Carullo, please call 718-920-7246.