Emery A. Rovenstine and regional anesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Emery Andrew Rovenstine was a dominant figure in anesthesiology in the United States between 1935 and 1960. Among his many contributions to the specialty, his regional anesthesia practice remains less well known. This paper explores Rovenstine's career and his contributions to regional anesthesia.

METHODS

Original documents studied and classified for this investigation included all of Rovenstine's published papers and the extant documents of the original American Society of Regional Anesthesia. Interviews with several physicians who knew Rovenstine were conducted. Secondary source materials, including biographies of Rovenstine, were perused.

RESULTS

Rovenstine made a major contribution to regional anesthesia through patient care, teaching, and political action. Many of his students went on to become leaders in anesthesiology and emphasized regional anesthesia in the second half of the twentieth century.

CONCLUSIONS

Emery A. Rovenstine did much to popularize regional anesthesia and ensure a rightful place for its techniques within the armamentarium of the anesthesiologist. Keeping alive the traditions of Gaston Labat at Bellevue, Rovenstine's contributions to regional anesthesia on all levels were considerable. Most importantly, he ensured an enduring role for regional anesthesia through the recurring contributions of his pupils.