Picture a relaxing scene. Maybe a beach in Tahiti, your toes in the sand, a cold drink in hand. Now imagine your favorite music playing in the background.If Dr. Alopi Patel were your anesthesiologist, that's exactly what she'd have you do while you waited on an operating table for surgery. Today, she takes us on a journey through the history and science of this cornerstone of modern medicine. Curious about other breakthroughs in the history of science? Let us know by emailing [email protected]!Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
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Hi, my name is Dr. Patel, and I'm the anesthesiologist. And we're going to go into the operating room now. So the room might be a little cold. There might be a few people here.
This is what you'd hear in surgery if Dr. Alopi Patel was your anesthesiologist. When she puts patients under, she tries to explain everything as it happens so patients know what to expect.
Okay, so while you're sleeping, we're going to go on vacation. Where do you want to go? Tahiti. Ooh, I like Tahiti. So we're going to go to Tahiti. We're going to go to Bora Bora in Tahiti and we're sitting on the beach.
She'll put on your favorite music and continue this guided vacation imagery meant to put you as the patient into a relaxed state.
We're sitting on the beach, putting our toes in the sand. And do you want a margarita, a mojito? What are we drinking today?
Yeah, margarita. Salt or no salt? Margarita on the rocks. Salt. What type of flavor? Alopi then begins a process called induction, using medication to induce a state of unconsciousness.
I'm going to put this mask on your face. It's going to be a little tight. Pretend this is fresh oxygen from Tahiti. We just imported it, right? So taking deep breaths in and out. And I'm going to start giving you some medication in your vein. And as I'm giving that IV, you're going to feel me rubbing on the other hand. And that rubbing is going to make you feel better.
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