The expert anesthesiologists at Riley Children’s Health deliver safe, evidence-based and compassionate care to pediatric patients in all areas of anesthesia, perioperative medicine, and acute and chronic pain management. In addition, our specialists are committed to leading innovative perioperative care research, providing high-quality clinical education and improving health outcomes. ANESTHESIA
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
NOTABLE PUBLICATION
Grant-funded research related to: ■ Translating science into clinical practice to improve safety and efficacy of opioids in neonates, children and nursing mothers ■ Personalized perioperative analgesia platform for pediatric spine fusion surgery Committed to quality and safety Anesthesiology team members at Riley Children’s are actively involved in the statewide IU Health controlled substance stewardship and steering committees to enhance and guide safe opioid prescribing practices for all pediatric patients. The Riley acute pain management team implemented a grant- funded program to provide opioid lockboxes, pill cutters and other resources to acute pain management patients discharged from the hospital.
World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery: July 2025 Liposomal bupivacaine versus plain bupivacaine for pain control following congenital cardiac surgery
TOP DISTINCTIONS
Specialized programs
Chronic Pain Management Program Harnessing the expertise of pain physicians, psychologists, and physical and occupational therapists, this multidisciplinary program provides psychological and procedural support for pediatric patients with chronic pain. The Chronic Pain Management Program treated approximately 900 patients in 2024 and performed more than 50 chronic pain procedures—a record number for our program. Acute Pain Management Program Skilled anesthesiologists provide leading-edge pain management for inpatient and outpatient procedures; use regional anesthesia and pain management protocols to enhance recovery and mitigate unwanted side effects.
■ Subspecialty anesthesia care for complex cardiac, neurosurgical and transplant surgeries, as well as acute and chronic pain management services ■ Nationally recognized in pediatric anesthesia and pain medicine research ■ Leader in the use of infant spinal anesthesia to minimize the need for general anesthesia Joined PALNET in 2024 Riley Children’s is one of 12 pediatric hospitals in the Pediatric Anesthesia Learning Network (PALNET), which promotes expertise in EEG-guided monitoring of anesthetic depth. This technique allows for more accurate and personalized dosing of anesthetic drugs, resulting in less emergence delirium, more stability and faster wake-ups. With the goal of improving patient outcomes, several members of our team have become experts in this technique and are training other anesthesiology professionals at Riley Children’s.
Anesthesia Encounters: 2022 – 2024
2022
2023
2024
Riley Hospital for Children Main OR
17,000 *
17,000 *
17,000 *
Cardiac Anesthesia Program The congenital cardiac anesthesia team delivers specialized care to children and adults with congenital and acquired cardiac disease who are undergoing diagnostic, interventional and surgical procedures. Transplant Anesthesia Program Providing 24/7 coverage for complex transplant cases, our physicians specialize in anesthesia care for children undergoing intra-abdominal and multivisceral transplants.
5,473
5,573
5,746
Riley Outpatient Center
Leading-edge technologies in
Riley Children’s Health at IU Health North
2,327
3,448
3,256
cardiac anesthesia TEG 6S, a new point- of-care diagnostic
Total
24,800
26,021
26,002
modality, allows real-time assessment and treatment
* Estimated total for Main OR
of bleeding disorders during cardiac surgery.
DIVISION CHIEF Rania K. Abbasi, MD, FASA Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesia, IU School of Medicine > Connect with Dr. Abbasi on Doximity.
35 board certified physicians
See full team member list >
Annual Report 2024 – 2025
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