About this Research Topic
Anesthesiologists have continually sought and wrought solutions for better information, efficiency and efficacy. We have developed and modified airway equipment for safer outcomes. Breathing circuits, gas and vapor delivery systems and anesthetic machines have also become safer because of improvements made by the specialty.
The word Avatar originated from ancient Hindu scripts, which spoke of “Avatara” the physical embodiment of gods in the earthly realm, committed to the preservation of life. Recently, it has been used to describe an embodiment or personification of a concept or philosophy. ‘Avatar’ today, represents the image a person chooses as his or her "embodiment" in an electronic medium. In the popular animated movie, “Avatar: the last “Air Bender”, Aang must master air bending and manipulate the elements to achieve harmony between the ‘Four nations of the world’ and bridge the physical and spirit world. Hence, an avatar is a positive influence, a proponent of well-being. Anesthesiologists can be considered avatars in the way we manipulate the respiratory system and the flow of air or gases, to help maintain the harmony of the internal milieu and preserve life.
Both medical and surgical disciplines rely on the anesthesiologist to optimize gas exchange and lung function. The importance of what we do cannot be overstated.
It is in recognition of the invaluable role of the anesthesiologist that this research topic seeks to garner original research articles and reviews which will highlight and pay tribute to the ‘Anesthesiologists as an Avatar’. Our history of transforming technology from other fields to accomplish “air bending” from atmosphere to cell, optimizing survival, is inspiring and continues today. We have consistently used innovation to develop better, more effective methodologies, in some instances, as fast as the needs are identified. Yet we are still challenged to find solutions for many issues.
Manuscripts submitted should include advances in respiratory equipment, monitoring or therapeutics related to the work of the anesthesiologist, whether in the operating theatre or the intensive care unit. These could include (but are not limited to) the completely new or adapting the old for new uses in such areas as:
Manipulation of airflow
Non-invasive and Invasive ventilation
Advances in respiratory equipment and monitoring
ECMO
Pharmacological therapy
This list of topics is not exhaustive, but may act as a guide. All types of articles are welcome, including original articles, clinical trials, review articles and case studies.
Keywords: Respiratory System, Equipment, Monitoring, Therapeutics
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.