Brief Bio

Dr. Vacchiano joined the faculty at the School of Nursing in 2008. He earned a BSN at Wright State University (OH) in 1979, a Bachelor of Science in Anesthesia from George Washington University in 1984, and a PhD in Physiology from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1995. He spent 26 years in the U.S. Navy as a practicing nurse anesthetist, educator, and researcher. During this time, he provided anesthesia care at stateside and overseas hospitals and aboard naval combat vessels, taught and performed clinical research in the Navy Nurse Corps Anesthesia Program, and was the Director of Biomedical Sciences Division at the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory.

Following his retirement from the U.S. Navy, Dr. Vacchiano became Director of the Gooding Institute, Bay Medical Center Nurse Anesthesia Program. He has published in multiple journals (including American Journal of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research, Shock, and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Journal, and serves as a reviewer for several agencies and journals. He has been elected President of the Board of Directors for the National Board for Certification and Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA), and is a member of the NBCRNA task force developing recommendations for new CRNA recertification requirements. Dr. Vacchiano is the author of a chapter on regional anesthesia in the only anesthesia textbook written by nurse anesthetists. He was named the American Association of Nurse Anesthetist Researcher of the Year in 2007.

Dr. Vacchiano's research has been funded by several government and private agencies. His research interests include extremes of oxygen exposure in cell, animal and human models, and clinical studies in anesthesia and critical care.

Academic Program Affiliations

Education

Professional Certifications

Research Interests

Dr. Vacchiano's research interests include hypoxia, hyperoxia, pulmonary physiology, diving and aviation physiology, clinical anesthesia practice, and critical care. He holds a U.S. patent for a reduced-oxygen breathing device. In 2007, he received an Excellence in Technology Transfer Award from the Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer for a compact, portable reduced oxygen breathing device that he developed for for aviation hypoxia training.

In his current research, Dr. Vacchiano is investigating the effects of changes in blood pressure on measures of cerebral blood flow velocity and cerebral oxygenation in patients undergoing sitting shoulder surgery, in order to determine whether these measures may be useful surrogates for estimating the effects of altered systemic blood pressure on cerebral blood flow during surgery.

Awards and Honors

• 2013 Faye G. Abdellah Lecturer, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences Research Day

• 2010 Outstanding Faculty Member Award, Duke University School of Nursing

• 2007 Researcher of the Year Award, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists

• 2007 Excellence in Technology Transfer Award, Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer

• 2006 Meritorious Service Medal, U.S. Navy

• 2003 Inducted, Sigma Theta Tau International

• 2001 Mary Hanna Memorial Journalism Award, American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses Meeting

• 1999 American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Foundation Distinguished Research Scholar Award, AANA Annual Faculty Meeting

• 1994 Young Investigator Award, International Shock Society

• 1993 Medical University of South Carolina Student Research Day

• 1992 Kuwait Liberation Medal, Military Award (Saudi Arabia)

• 1992 Combat Action Ribbon; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Southwest Asia Service Medal, U.S. Navy

• 1992 Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, Military Award, Kuwait

• 1989 Clinical Instructor of the Year, Anesthesia for Nurses Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

• 1989 Humanitarian Service Medal, U.S. Navy

• 1987 Navy Achievement Medal; Overseas Service Ribbon, U.S. Navy

• 1986 Navy Unit Commendation; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, U.S. Navy

• 1980 National Defense Service Medal, U.S. Navy

Areas of Expertise

• Anesthesia

Areas of Interest

• Clinical instruction of student nurse anesthetists

Representative Publications

• 2015 -- Pubmed # 26210555 Rice, A. N., Vacchiano, C. A. Response to Letter to the Editor. J Perianesth Nurs. August 1, 2015; 30(4); 268-9

• 2015 -- Pubmed # 25813298 Rice, A. N., Muckler, V. C., Miller, W. R., Vacchiano, C. A. Fast-tracking ambulatory surgery patients following anesthesia. J Perianesth Nurs. April, 2015; 30(2); 124-33

• 2015 -- Pubmed # 26016166 Hawkins, R., Wooden, S., Waters, E., Vacchiano, C. NBCRNA response to Zambricki et al Guest Editorial. AANA J. April 1, 2015; 83(2); 86-9

• 2015 -- Pubmed # 25694569 Titch, J. F., Vacchiano, C. Pre-ictal bispectral index values; are they accurate? Br J Anaesth. March 1, 2015; 114(3); 529-30

• 2014 -- Pubmed # 25313967 Ikeda, K., MacLeod, D. B., Grocott, H. P., Moretti, E. W., Ames, W., Vacchiano, C. The accuracy of a near-infrared spectroscopy cerebral oximetry device and its potential value for estimating jugular venous oxygen saturation. Anesth Analg. December, 2014; 119(6); 1381-92

• 2014 -- Pubmed # 25332464 D'Angelo, M., Hodgen, R. K., Wofford, K., Vacchiano, C. A Theoretical Mathematical Model to Estimate Blood Volume in Clinical Practice. Biol Res Nurs. October, 2014; 114(3); 529-30

• 2014 -- Pubmed # 24947022 Gill, M., Natoli, M. J., Vacchiano, C., MacLeod, D. B., Ikeda, K., Qin, M., Pollock, N. W., Moon, R. E., Pieper, C., Vann, R. D. Effects of elevated oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures on respiratory function and cognitive performance. J Appl Physiol (1985). August, 2014; 117(4); 406-12

• 2014 -- Pubmed # 25167608 Wofford, K., Hertzberg, M., Silva, S., Vacchiano, C. Effect of elective surgery on subjective health in veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. AANA J. August, 2014; 82(4); 285-92

• 2014 -- Pubmed # 25109164 Gallagher, K., Vacchiano, C. Reexamining traditional intraoperative fluid administration: evolving views in the age of goal-directed therapy. AANA J. June, 2014; 82(3); 235-42

• 2014 -- Titch, J. F., Holsinger, T., Vacchiano, C.,, Blood-Siegfried, J. Improving anesthetic depth assessment during electroconvulsive therapy with bispectral index monitoring: A pilot quality improvement project Anesthesia eJournal. 2014; 2(2);

• 2014 -- Vacchiano, C. A., Wofford, K. A., Titch, J. F. Chapter 1 posttraumatic stress disorder: a view from the operating theater. In , edited by 2014; pp. 1-23. : .

• 2014 -- Vacchiano, C. A. TSNRP study examines potential for cognitive stress test TSNRP News. Spring,/Summer 2014; 2014(Spr/Sum); 4-5

• 2013 -- Pubmed # 24139063 Wooden, S., Docherty, S., Plaus, K., Kusek, A., Vacchiano, C. Exploration of Specialty Certification for Nurse Anesthetists: Nonsurgical Pain Management as a Test Case. Pain Manag Nurs. October 15, 2013;

• 2013 -- Burian, D. Poll shows Americans recognize the importance of lifelong learning, regular skill evaluation for healthcare providers who will treat them. Wall Street Journal (online, Business Wire). June 28, 2013;

• 2013 -- Fertig, J. [C. Vacchiano. featured in news story] Study explores new method to detect concussions February 4, 2013;

• 2012 -- Pubmed # 22883447 MacLeod, D. B., Ikeda, K., Vacchiano, C., Lobbestael, A., Wahr, J. A., Shaw, A. D. Development and validation of a cerebral oximeter capable of absolute accuracy. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. December, 2012; 26(6); 1007-14

• 2012 -- Pubmed # 23164202 Muckler, V. C., Vacchiano, C. A., Sanders, E. G., Wilson, J. P., Champagne, M. T. Focused anesthesia interview resource to improve efficiency and quality. J Perianesth Nurs. December, 2012; 27(6); 376-84

• 2012 -- Pubmed # 23409641 Wofford, K., Hertzberg, M., Vacchiano, C. The perioperative implications of posttraumatic stress disorder. AANA J. December, 2012; 80(6); 463-70

• 2011 -- Wofford, K., Vacchiano, C. A. Sorting through the confusion: adverse cognitive change after surgery in adults. AANA Journal. August, 2011; 79(4); 335-342

• 2011 -- Pubmed # 21560976 Bushey, B. A., Auld, V. H., Volk, J. E., Vacchiano, C. A. Combined lipid emulsion and ACLS resuscitation following bupivacaine- and hypoxia-induced cardiovascular collapse in unanesthetized swine. AANA J. April, 2011; 79(2); 129-38

• 2009 -- Pubmed # 19522365 Artino Jr, A. R., Folga, R. V., Vacchiano, C. Normobaric hypoxia training: the effects of breathing-gas flow rate on symptoms. Aviat Space Environ Med. June, 2009; 80(6); 547-52

• 2009 -- Burkhard, J., Vacchiano, C. A. Regional anesthesia: Upper and lower extremity blocks (Chapter 46). In Nurse Anesthesia (4th ed.), edited by J. J, Nagelhout & K. L. Plaus 2009; St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

• 2008 -- Pubmed # 18717113 Vacchiano, C., Moore, J., Rice, G. M., Crawley, G. Fexofenadine effects on cognitive performance in aviators at ground level and simulated altitude. Aviat Space Environ Med. August, 2008; 79(8); 754-60

• 2005 -- Burkhard, J., Olsen, R. L., Vacchiano, C. A. Regional anesthesia (Chapter 42). In Nurse Anesthesia (3rd ed.), edited by J. J. Nagelhout & K. Zaglaniczny 2005; St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.

• 2004 -- Pubmed # 15098518 English, L. A., Holmes, J. M., Burkard, J. F., Vacchiano, C. A., Shin, A., Pellegrini, J., Maye, J. P. Effect of needle size on success of transarterial axillary block. AANA J. February, 2004; 72(1); 57-60

• 2003 -- Pubmed # 12847946 Coolong, K. J., McGough, E., Vacchiano, C., Pellegrini, J. E. Comparison of the effects of propofol versus thiopental induction on postoperative outcomes following surgical procedures longer than 2 hours. AANA J. 2003; 71(3); 215-22

• 2003 -- Pubmed # 12776641 Winston, A. W., Rinehart, R. S., Riley, G. P., Vacchiano, C. A., Pellegrini, J. E. Comparison of inhaled isopropyl alcohol and intravenous ondansetron for treatment of postoperative nausea. AANA J. April, 2003; 71(2); 127-32

• 2003 -- Pubmed # 12546299 Rice, G. M., Vacchiano, C. A., Moore Jr., J. L., Anderson, D. W. Incidence of decompression sickness in hypoxia training with and without 30-min O2 prebreathe. Aviat Space Environ Med. January, 2003; 74(1); 56-61

• 2002 -- Pubmed # 12526150 Brooks, R. R., Oudekerk, C., Olson, R. L., Daniel, C., Vacchiano, C., Maye, J. The effect of spinal introducer needle use on postoperative back pain. AANA J. December, 2002; 70(6); 449-52

• 2002 -- Pubmed # 12425125 Spence, D., Domen-Herbert, R., Boulette, E., Olson, R. L., Vacchiano, C., Maye, J. A comparison of rocuronium and lidocaine for the prevention of postoperative myalgia after succinylcholine administration. AANA J. October, 2002; 70(5); 367-72

• 2002 -- Pubmed # 12242924 Oakes, C. L., Ellington, K. J., Oakes, K. J., Olson, R. L., Neill, K. M., Vacchiano, C. A. Assessment of postanesthesia short-term quality of life: a pilot study. AANA J. August, 2002; 70(4); 267-73

• 2002 -- Pubmed # 12242928 Davis, R., Keenan, J., Meza, A., Danaher, P., Vacchiano, C., Olson, R. L., Maye, J. Use of a simple forearm tourniquet as an adjunct to an intravenous regional block. AANA J. August, 2002; 70(4); 295-8

• 2002 -- Pubmed # 15321561 Todd, G., John, A., Vacchiano, C., Pellegrini, J. Intradermal ketorolac for reduction of epidural back pain. Int J Obstet Anesth. April 1, 2002; 11(2); 100-4

• 2002 -- Pubmed # 15098518 Todd, G.,John, M., Miller, T., Vacchiano, C., Pellegrini, J. Intradermal ketorolac for the reduction of epidural back pain AANA J. April, 2002; 11(2); 100-104

• 2002 -- Pubmed # 11887541 Gibbs, R. D., Movinsky, B. A., Pellegrini, J., Vacchiano, C. A. The morphine-sparing effect of metoclopramide on postoperative laparoscopic tubal ligation patients. AANA J. February 1, 2002; 70(1); 27-32

• 2002 -- Pubmed # 11887546 Ward, R. C., Lawrence, R. L., Hawkins, R. J., DiChiara, S. E., Biegner, A. R., Vacchiano, C. A. The use of nalmefene for intrathecal opioid-associated nausea in postpartum patients. AANA J. February 1, 2002; 70(1); 57-60

• 2001 -- Pubmed # 11759142 Gohl, M. R., Moeller, R. K., Olson, R. L., Vacchiano, C. A. The addition of interscalene block to general anesthesia for patients undergoing open shoulder procedures. AANA J. April 1, 2001; 69(2); 105-9

• 2000 -- Pubmed # 11235460 Kelly, J. A., Doughty, J. K., Hasselbeck, A. N., Vacchiano, C. A. The effect of arthroscopic irrigation fluid warming on body temperature. J Perianesth Nurs. August 1, 2000; 15(4); 245-52

• 1999 -- Pubmed # 10488826 Biegner, A. R., Anderson, D., Olson, R. L., Vacchiano, C. A. Quantification of insensible water loss associated with insufflation of nonhumidified CO2 in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. August 1, 1999; 9(4); 325-9

• 1999 -- Pubmed # 10488295 Celeski, D. C., Heindel, L., Haas, J., Vacchiano, C. A. Effect of intrathecal fentanyl dose on the duration of labor analgesia. AANA J. June 1, 1999; 67(3); 239-44

• 1998 -- Pubmed # 9565255 Vacchiano, C. A., Osborne, G. R., Tempel, G. E. 8-ISO-PGF2alpha production by alveolar macrophages exposed to hyperoxia. Shock. April 1, 1998; 9(4); 266-73

• 1994 -- Pubmed # 7896640 Vacchiano, C. A., Tempel, G. E. Role of nonenzymatically generated prostanoid, 8-iso-PGF2 alpha, in pulmonary oxygen toxicity. J Appl Physiol. December 1, 1994; 77(6); 2912-7

• 1994 -- Pubmed # 7954628 Spinale, F. G., Tempel, G. E., Mukherjee, R., Eble, D. M., Brown, R., Vacchiano, C. A., Zile, M. R. Cellular and molecular alterations in the beta adrenergic system with cardiomyopathy induced by tachycardia. Cardiovasc Res. August 1, 1994; 28(8); 1243-50

Grant Funding (selected)

• Unmasking Cognitive Deficits After Recovery from Mild Traumatic Brain Injury  
  Uniformed Services University of the Health Services
  08/2011-07/2014
  Role: PI
  Project Goal: The purpose of the study is to examine the use of mild hypoxia as a clinical tool to uncover latent cognitive defects after apparent recovery from a mild traumatic brain injury.

• The Effects of Bio-Behavioral Intervention of the Release of Cytokines  
  Henry M. Jackson Foundation
  727661
  09/2011-12/2011
  

• The Influence of Elective Surgery on Functional Health in Veterans with PTSD  
  Uniformed Services University of the Health Services
  HU0001-11-1-TS03 N11-P02
  08/2011-07/2012
  

• Evaluation of the Relationship Between Velocity of Cerebral Blood Flow, Cerebral Tissue Oxygen Saturation, Mean Arterial Pressure and Cerebral Blood Flow During Sitting Orthopedic Shoulder Surgery  
  American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Foundation;
  07/2009-12/2010
  Role: PI
  Project Goal: The primary objective of this study is to examine the effects of blood pressure changes on cerebral blood flow velocity and cerebral oxygenation in patients undergoing sitting shoulder surgery to determine if these measures may be useful surrogates for estimating the effects of changes in systemic blood pressure on cerebral blood flow.

• Nurse Anesthesia Program Rural CRNA Initiative  
  Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA)
  1D09-HP14644-01-00
  07/2009-06/2012
  Role: Project Director
  Project Goal: The purpose of this project is to increase the number of Masters prepared Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNAs) practicing in rural, medically underserved areas of North Carolina by developing and implementing a distance learning component to our existing Nurse Anesthesia Program and by partnering with our existing hospital based clinical sites in rural / medically underserved areas to identify, recruit and enroll qualified nurses in the distance learning option.

• Resuscitation of Bupivacaine Induced Cardiac Collapse  
  Department of Defense, Tri-Service Nursing Research Program
  07/2005-01/2007
  Role: Co-PI / mentor for novice unfunded CRNAs
  

• Assessment of Oxidative Stress in the Tactical Aviation and Aerospace Physiology Communities  
  Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery
  02/2005-09/2007
  Role: PI
  Project Goal: The primary goal of this study was to measure the production of a group of oxygen- based free radical generated isomeric prostaglandin compounds (Isofurans) in the blood, urine and exhaled breath condensate of a group of pilots and altitude chamber inside observers intermittently and repeatedly exposed to 100% oxygen.

• Oxidative Stress and Pulmonary Injury in US Navy Divers  
  Department of Defense Tri-Service Nursing Research Program
  TSNRP-NO4-P10
  10/2004-09/2005
  Role: PI
  Project Goal: The primary goal of this study was to measure the production of a group of oxygen- based free radical generated isomeric prostaglandin compounds (Isofurans) in the blood, urine and exhaled breath condensate of a group of divers exposed to 100% oxygen at depth.

• Aviation Vigilance Testing Under Simulated Hypoxia  
  Office of Naval Research
  10/2001-09/2004
  Role: Associate Investigator
  Project Goal: The primary goal of this study was to examine the effects of simulated hypoxia at 10,000, 12,000 and 15,000 feet on cognitive functions associated with piloting an aircraft.

• Comparison of the Effects of Fexofenidine, Cetirizine, and Placebo on Cognitive Performance in Naval Flight Personnel  
  Aventis Pharmaceuticals
  NAMRL-31017 Aventis-4139
  06/2001-05/2004
  Role: PI
  Project Goal: The primary goal of this study was evaluate the effects of two medications commonly used to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis with respect to their ability to compromise the response to an in-flight emergency. The secondary goal was to evaluate the use of sea-level generated hypoxia as a surrogate in-flight emergency to determine whether or not specific prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal treatments and nutritional supplements can be used by personnel in an active flight status.

• Flight Performance with A Human-Centered Computing Cockpit Display System Under Hypoxic Conditions  
  Naval Health Research Center
  NHRC-70202
  12/2001-11/2003
  Role: Associate Investigator
  Project Goal: The primary goal of this study was to examine the ability to pilot an aircraft during an in-flight hypoxia emergency using a novel computer based technology that processes, configures, and presents dynamic flight information in a way that can be quickly and easily assimilated and used.

• Reduced Oxygen Breathing as an Adjunct to Conventional Hypoxia Training  
  Office of Naval Research
  ONR-7601
  10/2000-09/2002
  Role: PI
  Project Goal: The primary goal of this study was to compare the physiological, cognitive and subjective effects of sea level and altitude-induced hypoxia

• Post Anesthesia Short Term Quality of Life Assessment: A Tool to Measure Outcome  
  American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Foundation
  10/1998-09/1999
  Role: PI
  Project Goal: The primary goal of this study was to develop and pilot a tool to measure the effect of anesthesia on short term quality of life post-operatively.

• The Role of 8-Isoprostane in Oxygen Toxicity in Vivo  
  Department of Defense / Tri-Service Nursing Research Program
  MDA-905-94-Z-0025
  07/1994-08/1995
  Role: PI
  Project Goal: The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of oxygen exposure on the production of a free radical generated isomeric prostaglandin compound (8-isoprostane) by isolated rat alveolar macrophages.

• Oxygen Modulated, Isoprostane-Induced Pulmonary Edema  
  Department of Defense, Tri-Service Nursing Research Program
  MDA 905-93-Z-0021
  09/1993-09/1994
  Role: PI
  Project Goal: The primary goal of this study was to examine the ability of high inspired oxygen concentrations to increase the production of free radical generated isomeric prostaglandin compounds (isoprostanes) and nitric oxide in the lungs of rats in vivo. The secondary goal was to evaluate the potential deleterious effects of a specific isoprostane on lung fluid balance.