When I began my anesthesia practice, thoracic anesthesia
was not considered an independent subspecialty. Today,
40 years later, it is one of the most challenging subspecialties, with innovations that include devices for lung isolation
and monitoring capability, new understanding of the intraoperative managing of one lung ventilation, and a significant innovation in postoperative pain management. Over
the years, thoracic workshops and thoracic symposiums
have become integral during global anesthesia conferences.
Thoracic anesthesia literature is now indispensable to many
practicing clinician’s libraries.