Anesthesia providers are frequently exposed to radiation during routine patient care in the operating room and remote anesthetizing locations. Eighty-two percent of anesthesiology residents (n = 57 responders) at our institution had a “high” or “very high” concern about the level of ionizing radiation exposure, and 94% indicated interest in educational materials about radiation safety. This article highlights key learning points related to basic physical principles, effects of ionizing radiation, radiation exposure measurement, occupational dose limits, considerations during pregnancy, sources of exposure, factors affecting occupational exposure such as positioning and shielding, and monitoring. Continued education and awareness of the risks of ionizing radiation and protective strategies will reduce exposure and potential for associated sequelae.

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More than 3000 peer-reviewed publications on the topic of liver transplantation were published in 2016. The goal of this article is to provide a concise review of pertinent literature for anesthesiologists who participate in liver transplantation. The authors selected and presented 33 articles published in 2016 on the topics of MELD policy; cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal issues; coagulation and transfusion; anesthetic agents; hemodynamic monitors; acute liver failure; and donor issues.

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Nathaen Weitzel, one of the Editors-in-Chief of SCVA, talks to Ernesto Pretto of The Society for the Advancement of Transplant Anesthesia (SATA). They discuss transplant anesthesia and highlight how Seminars in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia will now serve as the official home journal for SATA.

To view the SATA Editorial in the March 2017 issue of SCVA, click here.