Best Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation Podcasts (2025)

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#268 Beyond the Vein: The Dangers of Infiltrated Muscle Relaxants 15:34

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20h ago15:34

15:34

Ever wondered what happens when neuromuscular blocking agents infiltrate into surrounding tissue instead of flowing smoothly through an IV? The consequences can be serious and potentially life-threatening for patients recovering from anesthesia. We dive deep into a complication that affects nearly 14% of the 150 million peripheral IV catheter inser…

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#267 Beyond Opioids: Revolutionizing Perioperative Pain Control 19:10

8d ago19:10

19:10

Navigating the fine line between effective pain control and minimizing harm from opioid medications remains one of anesthesiology's greatest challenges. This episode dives deep into the evolving landscape of perioperative pain management, examining how clinicians can achieve the delicate balance required for optimal patient outcomes. Dr. Paul Guill…

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#266 Protecting the Brain: Perioperative Stroke Prevention 21:02

15d ago21:02

21:02

Perioperative stroke represents a rare but potentially devastating complication of anesthesia care. While occurring in less than 1% of non-cardiac surgical patients, this complication fundamentally threatens not just patient outcomes but their very identity. As Dr. Jacob Nadler poignantly notes in our podcast, "By maintaining brain health, we're pr…

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#265 The Breakthrough Drug Changing Perioperative Pain Management 15:22

22d ago15:22

15:22

A revolution in pain management has arrived. The FDA's approval of Suzetrigine in January 2025 introduces the first non-opioid analgesic for moderate to severe pain in over twenty years. This breakthrough medication targets the voltage-gated sodium channel, NAV1.8, effectively blocking pain signals at their source before they reach the brain. What …

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#264 Rethinking Resuscitation in the Operating Room: Beyond ACLS 15:40

29d ago15:40

15:40

Cardiac arrest in the operating room presents unique challenges that standard Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) protocols simply were not designed to address. This eye-opening exploration with APSF author, Zachary Smith, reveals why traditional resuscitation guidelines fall short when emergencies strike during surgery and anesthesia care.…

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#263 Blood Pressure Blind Spots 1:12:31

1M ago1:12:31

1:12:31

The standard of care for monitoring blood pressure during surgery hasn't changed in nearly 40 years, despite technological advances that could prevent serious complications and save lives. This eye-opening episode takes listeners inside a recent Capitol Hill briefing where healthcare professionals, lawmakers, and patient safety advocates made the c…

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#262 Medical Literature Deep Dive: From Infant Intubation to GLP-1 Agonist Risks and More 15:54

1M ago15:54

15:54

Ready for a refreshing summer dive into the latest anesthesia safety research? This episode explores three groundbreaking studies that could transform perioperative practice and patient outcomes. First, we examine a fascinating randomized clinical trial on "just-in-time" training for inexperienced clinicians performing infant intubations. The resul…

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#261 Patient Safety Challenges: From Global Cosmetic Tourism to Pediatric Medication Dosing 15:48

2M ago15:48

15:48

Navigating the complex landscape of patient safety requires vigilance, knowledge, and adaptability. Today's episode takes us on a journey through two critical safety concerns that exemplify the challenges anesthesiologists face in diverse clinical settings. We begin with an eye-opening exploration of cosmetic surgery safety in Colombia, which has e…

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#260 OpenAnesthesia and the APSF: Achieving Safe and Quality Anesthesia Care with Education Innovation 29:33

2M ago29:33

29:33

Dr. Elizabeth Malinzak takes us behind the scenes of a fascinating educational initiative bridging knowledge gaps in anesthesiology. As a pediatric anesthesiologist at Duke University and liaison between the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation and Open Anesthesia, she's spearheaded the development of over 30 patient safety and quality improvement …

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#259 Every Move Matters: Why Transport Safety Can Save Your Critical Patients 18:29

2M ago18:29

18:29

Intrahospital transport of critically ill patients presents significant safety risks that can be mitigated through proper guidelines, checklists, and handoffs between care teams. The episode examines transport-related adverse events and complications while providing practical tools to enhance patient safety during these vulnerable transitions. • Mu…

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#258 Wheels of Risk: When Patient Safety Rolls Through Hospital Corridors 16:10

2M ago16:10

16:10

The journey between hospital departments can be the most dangerous part of a patient's perioperative experience. This eye-opening episode dives deep into the hidden risks of intra-hospital patient transport. We examine the current literature on transport safety with particular focus on the challenges faced by anesthesia professionals. The data is s…

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#257 Sweet Trouble: Perioperative Management of SGLT2 Inhibitors 20:05

3M ago20:05

20:05

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have revolutionized treatment for type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease—but they're creating new challenges for anesthesia professionals. With more patients on these medications heading to surgery, understanding their unique perioperative risks has never been more critical. At t…

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#256 Skin in the Game: A Fresh Flow Podcast Takeover 40:50

3M ago40:50

40:50

This is a Fresh Flow Podcast Takeover Show. The need for strong leadership in anesthesiology has never been more crucial. Join us as we discuss structured mentorship programs and the skills required to develop effective leaders in anesthesia. Dr. Mesrobian shares insights into cultivating future leaders and the importance of training in operational…

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#255 What You Need to Know Before Going Under 27:18

3M ago27:18

27:18

Fear of the unknown is one of the most significant sources of anxiety for surgical patients. What exactly happens when we're "put under"? Could we wake up during surgery? What side effects should we expect? Our latest episode tackles these common concerns by exploring the APSF's Patient Guide to Anesthesia and Surgery. We walk through a simulated p…

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#254 The Patient's Guide to Anesthesia and Surgery 17:24

3M ago17:24

17:24

Fear of the unknown can make surgery and anesthesia unnecessarily stressful. Approximately 90% of patients experience some degree of anxiety about "going under" before their procedure – worrying about pain, waking during surgery, or post-operative grogginess. But what if patients had reliable answers to their most pressing questions? The Anesthesia…

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#253 When Electrocautery Meets Implanted Devices: What Every Anesthesia Professional Needs to Know 19:57

4M ago19:57

19:57

The safe management of non-cardiac implantable electrical devices during surgery requires careful planning and knowledge of device-specific considerations. We continue our discussion from last week with actionable recommendations for each stage of perioperative care. • Electrocautery poses significant risks including device reprogramming, thermal b…

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#252 Managing Neurologic Stimulators: A Critical Guide for Safe Anesthesia 18:19

4M ago18:19

18:19

The podcast explores comprehensive recommendations for managing patients with non-cardiac implantable electrical devices during surgical procedures, emphasizing preoperative assessment, device interaction prevention, and safety protocols. • Types of devices include vagal nerve stimulators, deep brain stimulators, and spinal cord stimulators • Preop…

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#251 Surgical Fires: The 30% Oxygen Rule 16:11

4M ago16:11

16:11

Surgical fires are devastating yet entirely preventable events that continue to occur in operating rooms around the world. This eye-opening episode features biomedical engineer Mark Bruley and anesthesiologist Dr. Jeffrey Feldman, who share decades of expertise investigating and preventing these catastrophic incidents. The conversation reveals why …

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#250 Sugammadex in Special Populations: What Every Anesthesia Professional Needs to Know 18:58

4M ago18:58

18:58

Sugammadex safety considerations span across patient populations with renal impairment, pediatric patients, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, requiring nuanced clinical decision-making based on current evidence and ongoing research. • Sugammadex reversal of moderate blockade is safe and faster than using neostigmine/cisatracurium for patie…

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#249 Sugammadex Safety: Special Populations, Special Concerns 16:48

4M ago16:48

16:48

Discover the critical safety considerations when using Sugammadex, the seemingly "magical" neuromuscular blockade reversal agent that's fundamentally changed anesthesia practice. We delve deep into the science behind this medication and examine its use in three challenging patient populations: those with renal failure, pregnant patients, and pediat…

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#248 Beyond the Mask: An OpenAnesthesia Collaboration on Perioperative Drug Safety 16:35

5M ago16:35

16:35

Medication safety remains a cornerstone of anesthesia practice with complex environments and high-stakes decisions requiring vigilant attention to prevent errors. This collaboration between APSF and OpenAnesthesia spotlights critical aspects of perioperative drug safety with practical insights from Dr. Juan Li, a cardiothoracic anesthesia fellow at…

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#247 Nudge Your Way to Greener Pediatric Anesthesia 13:44

5M ago13:44

13:44

Climate change has arrived in the operating room, and pediatric anesthesiologists are taking action. Dr. Eva Lu-Boettcher, pediatric anesthesiologist and Director of Anesthesia Quality and Safety at the University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital, shares her journey toward sustainable anesthesia after witnessing firsthand the effects of climate cha…

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#246 Ditching Nitrous Oxide: The Bike Commuter's Guide to Safe and Sustainable Anesthesia 18:21

5M ago18:21

18:21

Dr. Liz Hansen takes us behind the scenes of a remarkable transformation at Seattle Children's Hospital, where pediatric anesthesiologists have reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by over 90% without compromising patient safety. A lifelong environmentalist and bike commuter, Dr. Hansen was shocked to discover that anesthesia gases contributed to…

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#245 Unmasking Medical Misinformation 15:13

5M ago15:13

15:13

In our latest episode, we dive headfirst into the growing issue of medical misinformation and its alarming effect on anesthesia patient safety. As patients increasingly turn to social media for health information, the risks of encountering inaccurate content have soared, posing challenges for healthcare professionals. Join us as we explore a recent…

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#244 Battling Myths and Misinformation: Ensuring Patient Safety in Anesthesia 15:12

6M ago15:12

15:12

Join us as we dive into the critical topic of medical misinformation and its alarming impact on patient safety, particularly in the field of anesthesia. In this compelling episode, we unpack how misconceptions shape patient trust and communication with healthcare providers. Our conversation features insightful commentary from Dr. George Tewfik, who…

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#243 Unlocking Insights for Safer Anesthesia: Key Findings from the Literature and a Case Report 16:56

6M ago16:56

16:56

This episode delves into key findings in the literature, focusing on the nuances of neuromuscular blockade in pediatric patients and novel advancements in intubation techniques to enhance patient safety. We explore significant insights from recent studies that highlight age-related differences in recovery times from neuromuscular blockade and pract…

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#242 Enhancing Anesthesia Patient Safety: Literature Reviews, Guidelines, and Recommendations 19:33

6M ago19:33

19:33

Feeling overwhelmed about staying up to date with the anesthesia literature? We hope you will check out the APSF's In The Literature section. This resource brings you straightforward summaries of recent high-impact articles related to anesthesia patient safety. This episode highlights crucial updates in the literature concerning diabetes management…

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#241 The Impact of ISO 80369-6 Neuraxial Connectors: Patient Safety Challenges and Opportunities 19:30

6M ago19:30

19:30

This episode discusses the implementation of ISO 80369-6 neuraxial connectors in Japan, analyzing the challenges faced and the implications for patient safety. The conversation highlights the importance of clinician involvement and the need for clear communication and trials during the transition to new medical standards. • Overview of ISO 80369-6 …

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#240 Enhancing International Anesthesia Patient Safety: Insights on ISO Standards 17:00

7M ago17:00

17:00

The episode explores the challenges and lessons learned from Japan's recent implementation of ISO 80369-6 standards in anesthesia practices, highlighting the critical importance of clinician involvement in developing safety protocols. We discuss the historical context, issues with communication, and various complications arising from the transition…

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#239 Enhancing Defibrillation Skills: The APSF's Technology Education Initiative 13:15

7M ago13:15

13:15

Unlock the potential to save lives with our exciting discussion on the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation's Technology Education Initiative course. Featuring Dr. Michael Kazior, an esteemed anesthesiologist and intensivist, we spotlight the crucial skills of manual external defibrillation, cardioversion, and pacing. Dr. Kazior shares his personal…

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#238 Solutions to Reduce Pediatric Medication Errors during Anesthesia Care 14:49

7M ago14:49

14:49

Can we significantly reduce pediatric medication errors in anesthesia care? This podcast episode explores the urgent need to address medication errors in pediatric anesthesia, highlighting effective strategies to improve patient safety. We discuss the implementation of tools such as the Anesthesia Medication Template, pre-filled syringes, and barco…

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#237 Preventing Pediatric Medication Errors 15:26

7M ago15:26

15:26

Unlock the secrets of preventing pediatric perioperative medication errors with insights from our esteemed guests, Eva Lu-Boettcher and Rahul Koka. Pediatric patients face unique challenges due to variations in body weight and dosing calculations, making them particularly vulnerable to medication errors. Join us as we explore the discrepancies betw…

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#236 Revolutionizing Hand Hygiene in Anesthesia: A Path to Safer Surgeries 17:54

7M ago17:54

17:54

What if a simple change in routine could save lives in the operating room? Join us as we explore this possibility with Jonathan Charnin, who shares his expertise and passion for improving hand hygiene practices in anesthesia. Hand hygiene may seem like a small detail, but it plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of pathogens and reducing su…

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#235 Fresh Flow Podcast Takeover: Advancing Patient Safety from A to N to Zed 40:33

8M ago40:33

40:33

Join us on a fascinating exploration with Alli Bechtel, a dedicated anesthesiologist and the Anesthesia Patient Safety podcast host, who reveals the surprising journey from the United States to New Zealand in pursuit of a better work-life balance. Bechtel shares her unique insights into the supportive healthcare environment she found across the glo…

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#234 Malignant Hyperthermia Preparedness: Insights and Updates 22:33

8M ago22:33

22:33

What does it take to stay prepared for a rare but potentially life-threatening anesthesia complication like malignant hyperthermia (MH)? Join us as Dr. Henry Rosenberg, a trailblazer in the field and founder of the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United States, shares his insights on the evolution of MH diagnosis and management. We promis…

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#233 Revolutionizing Anesthesia: The Impact of Remimazolam 26:49

8M ago26:49

26:49

Unlock the future of perioperative medicine with insights into remimazolam, the cutting-edge benzodiazepine poised to transform anesthesia practices. We uncover the remarkable features of remimazolam, from its rapid onset and short duration to its unique reversibility and minimal impact on cardiac and respiratory systems. Discover why this novel se…

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#232 Embracing Safety and Sustainability in Anesthesia Care 18:06

8M ago18:06

18:06

What happens when a defective CO2 absorbent canister leads to ventilation failure during surgery? Our latest episode uncovers the hidden risks of hypoventilation and leaks in anesthesia machines following intra-procedure CO2 canister replacement. We discuss the critical role of manufacturers in providing warnings about potential equipment failures,…

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#231 Ensuring Anesthesia Safety: Risks of CO2 Canister Replacement and Technology Concerns 17:30

9M ago17:30

17:30

What if a simple component replacement could jeopardize patient safety during surgery? Join us as we discuss critical anesthesia safety concerns with our special guest, Dr. Yuki Kuruma, an experienced anesthetist from Japan's Saiseikai Matsusaka General Hospital. Kuruma sheds light on the potential dangers of replacing CO2 absorbent canisters and t…

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#230 Bridging Communication Gaps: Ensuring Safe Anesthesia Care for Patients with Limited English Proficiency 18:56

9M ago18:56

18:56

What impact do communication failures have on anesthesia patient safety, particularly for those with limited English proficiency? Join us as we welcome anesthesiology resident, Dr. Yasuko Mano, who sheds light on this critical issue. Drawing from her personal experiences and research, Mano reveals how language barriers can lead to less patient-cent…

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#229 Revolutionizing Anesthesia Care for Cardiac Patients: Shorter and Safer Dual Antiplatelet Therapy with Next-Gen Stents 17:48

9M ago17:48

17:48

What if the future of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) could be shorter, safer, and more effective? Uncover the latest insights into drug-eluting stents and how they are transforming how we think about dual-antiplatelet therapy. Join us as we examine the game-changing recommendations from top cardiology societies, which suggest that newer-generatio…

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#228 The Journey of Drug-Eluting Stents and Anesthesia Patient Safety 17:05

9M ago17:05

17:05

What if the future of cardiac care meant shorter duration of dual antiplatelet therapy without compromising safety? Join us as we explore this possibility with Dr. Joseph Szokol, a leading expert in clinical anesthesiology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Dr. Szokol shares his insights into the revolutionary advancements in drug-eluting stent…

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#227 Technology's Impact on Patient Safety: Insights from Filmmaker Mike Eisenberg 29:50

10M ago29:50

29:50

Join us for an enlightening conversation with documentary filmmaker Mike Eisenberg, where we explore the transformative role of technology in patient safety, inspired by his acclaimed film "The Pitch." Discover how pioneers like Jeff Cooper have shaped anesthesia patient safety and learn how the world of aviation offers valuable lessons for the hea…

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#226 From the Ballpark to the Big Screen: Patient Safety's Next Generation 21:38

10M ago21:38

21:38

Documentary film director, Mike Eisenberg, shares his compelling journey from playing minor league baseball to directing films that change lives. Inspired by his late father, a prominent figure in patient safety, Eisenberg brings passion and insight to his exploration of patient safety in healthcare. His earlier work, "To Error is Human," laid the …

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#225 Collaborative Guidelines for Safe Anesthesia in OSA 20:11

10M ago20:11

20:11

Can anesthesia care for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) impact patient safety during surgery? Join me, Alli Bechtel, as I unravel the complexities of managing anesthesia for OSA patients, drawing insights from experts like Mandeep Singh and his team, featured in the June 2024 APSF newsletter. This episode promises to enhance your unders…

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#224 Staying Legal: Recording Conversations during Anesthesia Care 18:34

10M ago18:34

18:34

Wiretap laws might seem like a distant concern, but in the realm of clinical practice, they could be more relevant than you think. What if a simple audio recording could make or break your patient care approach? Join us as we unravel the complexities of wiretap regulations in healthcare with insights from Karolina Brook's enlightening APSF article,…

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#223 Navigating Wiretap Laws in Clinical Practice: Insights for Anesthesia Professionals 17:16

11M ago17:16

17:16

Ever wondered how wiretap laws impact your daily clinical interactions and patient safety measures? Discover the complexities of these laws with insights from our guest, Dr. Karolina Brook, an anesthesiologist from Boston Medical Center. Join us on the Anesthesia Patient Safety Podcast as we unravel the intricacies of one-party and all-party consen…

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#222 Best Practices for External Ventricular Drain Management - Part 3 of 3 18:03

11M ago18:03

18:03

Unlock the secrets to enhancing patient safety with our comprehensive discussion on the External Ventricular Drain (EVD) Safety Campaign. Ever wondered how to drastically reduce complications like ventriculitis? We promise you'll walk away with actionable insights, from the critical use of antimicrobial EVDs to the meticulous setup of devices by tr…

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#221 Enhancing Patient Safety in Neurocritical Care: Best Practices for Managing External Ventricular Drains with Dr. Abhijit Lele - Part 2 of 3 15:10

11M ago15:10

15:10

Curious about the best practices for managing patients with External Ventricular Drains (EVDs) during anesthesia and ICU transport? Join us as we talk to Dr. Abhijit Lele, a leading neuro-anesthesiologist and neuro-intensivist, who shares his expertise and personal journey from pediatrics to neuro-critical care. Discover the collaborative efforts b…

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#220 Enhancing Patient Safety with External Ventricular Drains: Launching the EVD Safety Campaign - Part 1 of 3 17:17

11M ago17:17

17:17

Curious about how to enhance patient safety with external ventricular drains or EVDs? Join us as we unravel the intricacies of EVDs and their pivotal role in perioperative care. With over 25,000 EVD placements annually in the United States, it's crucial for anesthesia and critical care professionals to master the management of these devices to prev…

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#219 Optimizing Outcomes in Anesthesia Care: Spotlight on Intraoperative Hypotension 19:33

11M ago19:33

19:33

Unlock the secrets to improving anesthesia patient safety as we tackle the critical issue of intraoperative hypotension. Did you know that hypotension during surgery can lead to severe complications like acute kidney injury, myocardial injury, delirium, and stroke? Join us as we dissect recent studies, including one by Ariyarathna and colleagues li…