Monitors and Equipment for the Ambulatory Surgical Care Setting

As Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASC) become increasingly popular in the United States, proper anesthesia equipment and monitoring are foundational for ensuring the delivery of safe and efficient anesthetic care. Herein, we will review standard and expected monitoring every ASC should consider in order to meet their stated mission, including pulse oximetry, non-invasive blood pressure, electrocardiographic, temperature and capnographic monitoring. We will also discuss the use of the bispectral index, near infra-red spectroscopy and monitoring after the administration of neuromuscular blockade. These guidelines apply to all forms of anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist or anesthesia care team including general anesthesia, regional anesthesia and deep sedation, in both adults and children.