At UCI Health, your safety and comfort are our highest priorities. Our board-certified anesthesiologists are here to help make you as comfortable as possible before, during and after your surgery or medical procedure. 

Our approach to anesthesia and perioperative care

Our team is specially trained to provide anesthesia, monitor vital functions and manage pain. In addition to extensive training in anesthesia, some of our clinicians have subspecialty training and are experts in: 

• Cardiothoracic anesthesia
• Critical care
• Pain management
• Neuro anesthesia
• Labor and delivery anesthesia
• Pediatric anesthesia

In addition to anesthesiologists, your care team may include Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). CRNAs are nationally certified advanced practice practitioners who work closely with physicians to provide anesthesia care.

We provide: 

Personalized pre-surgical evaluation

Before your procedure, the anesthesia team at the Center for Perioperative Care carefully reviews your medical history, current health and any previous experiences with anesthesia. We will also answer your questions and address any concerns.

Customized anesthesia plan

Based on the evaluation, we create an anesthesia plan tailored to your specific needs, procedure and overall health. 

Advanced, precise care

Using the latest advances in anesthesiology, we select and adjust medications to maximize safety, comfort and precision throughout your surgery. 

Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)

CRNAs at UCI Health are highly trained advanced practice practitioners (APPs) specializing in anesthesia care. They are key members of the anesthesia care team. They work closely with anesthesia clinicians to provide safe, evidence-based care before, during and after your surgery or medical procedure. 

CRNAs are nationally board-certified and licensed by state Boards of Nursing. Though their advanced training and clinical expertise, our CRNAs are committed to providing compassionate, world-class anesthesia care that fits you. 

Learn more about our CRNAs.

Types of anesthesia

General anesthesia

• Affects your entire body
• Puts you to sleep to block pain and relax muscles
• Medications can be gases or vapors you breathe in through a mask or tube
• Can be given intravenously

Local anesthesia

• Applied or injected into a localized area
• Used for biopsies and minor surgery

Monitored anesthesia care

• Combination of medications keeps you relaxed and pain free
• You may remain awake but may not remember the procedure
• Used for minor surgical procedures such as fracture repair, minor skin surgery and other superficial procedures
• Used for diagnostic procedures such as colonoscopies and radiology exams

Regional anesthesia

• Numbs larger areas of the body such as the back without putting you to sleep
• A small amount of anesthetic is injected into a cluster of nerves
• Techniques include spinal blocks and epidurals

Surgical monitoring

Our anesthesiologists use state-of-the-art equipment to monitor your’ breathing, heart rhythms and blood pressure, as well as brain and kidney functions during surgery.

The Bispectral Index (BIS) helps specialists deliver less anesthesia while continuously monitoring depth. This allows 30% less anesthesia to be administered, meaning BIS patients are discharged more quickly.