Thoracic anesthesia is one of the most complex and high-stakes specialties in medicine, where the airway may literally be open on the table, and every breath depends on seamless teamwork.

In this episode of Anesthesia Alchemy, Lynn and Garry welcome Dr. Melissa Puskac, a CRNA and thoracic anesthesia expert, to unpack the challenges and breakthroughs that define this field. From carinal resections and sleeve lobectomies to esophagectomies and mediastinal mass surgeries, Dr. Puskac explains how modern techniques like cross-field ventilation, high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV), and ECMO are transforming survival and recovery.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:

 🌬️ Airway mastery

🫁 Carinal & sleeve resections

🥼 Esophagectomy techniques

⚠️ Complications matter

🧠 Collaboration is key

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