Vital signs monitoring for anesthesiologists, explained

What monitors does an anesthesiologist use during surgery? In this video, I explain - and demonstrate - the standard vital sign equipment that I monitor anytime I'm providing anesthesia.

0:00 Start
00:24 Why monitor vital signs
02:14 ECG
04:31 Pulse oximetry
07:36 Capnography (CO2)
10:11 Blood pressure
13:54 Temperature

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Find Max Feinstein, MD online:
Instagram: @MaxMFeinstein
Twitter: @MaxMFeinstein
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The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional.
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#Anesthesiology #Residency #MedicalSchool

[wulfgar]

You should be a Professor of Anesthesiology.... you teach this subject very well. Your students would love you!

[robertmatheson]

I used to work in an OR as a young man at 20 years old, as an orderly. When I had some free time moving patients back and forth to the OR, I used to stand and watch the anesthesia and the surgeons working. On my first day on the job. Dr. McNamara was doing a lung resection. He called me over to the surgery table and had me take a look into the chest cavity at the heart beating inside the patients chest. I was just so amazed I knew right then that I wanted to become a surgeon, though I did not become a surgeon it was an outstanding experience that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

[spongebob]

Love your videos! I don’t understand why some people are like Max is just staring at a screen thinking about vacation while the surgeons do all of the work. You’re labeled as the “guardian angel”. I think they don’t get enough credit like the surgeons do. Without them, the patient wouldn’t be alive.

[csc]

Last year, I had two surgeries in 24 hours. So thankful for the skilled doctors during this scary time. You are so smart . . . much respect.

[AroundSun]

I had an emergency laparoscopic appendectomy a few years ago during Covid, they had to quickly assemble a team at like 2am. I was very impressed by the anesthesia team and the surgeon who did the work as well as the helpful nurses. When I came back to from the propofol I felt like I was falling from the sky on my back and the second I hit the ground I jumped up in the bed and they held me down for a minute. Then I quickly remembered what had happened and why I was there. I thought they didn’t start yet but they were already done and I felt great. I apologized and they laughed at me saying they expected that reaction when I came to. They then said nighty night and injected something in my IV and out I went for another few hours or so. Very respectable at the perfection and attention to detail that goes into this line of work that is dealing with the very essence of life and pain, and threading the needle with the very delicate balance of life and death. putting in the years and life dedication to learn it all, master it, and respect to those who put in the time to teach it so the knowledge may continue to be passed down to each generation.

[robhtwo]

My wife of 21 years is a surgeon and I like to watch things about her job so I can understand better when talking with her about how her day was or at a table with her doc friends at home or at conferences. Your videos are funny and very informative, some of the best I have seen. Keep up the great work!

[daniellefennessy]

I had major surgery months ago, and had so many questions after I woke up. I’m just in utter awe of science and all that you and surgeons do. It’s been so much fun learning from your channel!

[chrisp]

Max, you’re also a great teacher. I hope the hospital appreciates what you’re doing. Your videos not only inform the patient, but lessen the fear of a surgical procedure by understanding the different steps and why they’re used. Thank you.

[akickedable]

Spent some weeks in an icu after a bike crash and for the part i was off sedation i got the chance to observe doctors and crna's in action for about 72 hours, before i was discharged to the trauma block. I cant find words to explain how impressed i am with what you guys are doing, its just amazing. Plus everyone was super friendly and talking to me, which really helped me with recovery.

[amalexander]

Your videos really helped me to get over my fear of general anesthesia. Thank you so much!

[JJ-dtvb]

Your videos are awesome. My 13 year old son is interested in a career in medicine and we've been watching all your videos. Very informative and my son loves to see and hear about it all.

[DavidMorseMusic]

I watched a bunch of your videos before my surgery, and when the anesthesiologist brought me in he was extremely impressed when I basically narrated all the prep he was doing. Made my surgery much less stressful!

[hixiegirl]

Retired OR RN. I really enjoyed your presentation. Your manner is calm and reassuring for patients. Very matter of fact. You could put me down any time!

[Ro.Lin]

This was amazing, gave me a good reminder as to why I’m even studying for the MCAT to begin with. You’re a godsend Dr. Max, in the future can we get more day in the life content and maybe in feature a few cases?

[phyllojoe]

I'm not sure why but you starting this video wearing all the monitoring equipment was the funniest thing I have seen in a long time!

[ProbablyBees]

Thank you for making such wonderful and detailed videos. I have a surgery in 2 weeks, first time I'll ever be under general anesthetic, and watching through what the preparation is, what devices will be used and how my doctors will be sure I'm OK has greatly reduced my anxiety over it all

[r.v.niddrie]

Hello from Chilliwack Canada. Cancer will soon result in my bladder and prostate removal. Hope my Anesthesiologist is as fantastic as you. You rock

[drkv]

When I was 13 my GP and ENT ended up determining that I needed a tonsillectomy based on the threat to my breathing at night, my tonsils were frequently so enlarged that they caused sleep apnea.

I swear this is a true story. I remember it vividly. The anesthesiologist picked up quickly on how inquisitive and hungry for knowledge I was and my effort to understand what was happening. The last thing I remember before going under is that she asked if I wanted to knock myself out. I said that sounds cool! She held my hand and guided my thumb as I pressed the plunger on the syringe. I only made it about 1/3 of the way into the dose before my next memory which was talking to someone that definitely wasn't in the recovery room and they were wiping tears from my face. They said everything went well and that I would be moved into recovery soon. From then I don't remember anything until I was coming to again in the recovery room and the nurse offered me to sip some sprite.

[paigeb]

I love your videos. I am in nursing school studying perioperative nursing for lecture. I enjoy getting a chance to see it from an anesthesiologist's point of view.

[intrepidtomato]

These are so good. I am having a series of small procedures that require general anesthesia, and I love understanding the setup a bit better because I'm (besides really scared!) also very curious about what happens during surgery and the waking up phase before you make proper memories again.