Charles Andrew Vacchiano

Charles Andrew Vacchiano
Professor Emeritus in the School of Nursing

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.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Professor Emeritus in the School of Nursing, School of Nursing, Duke University 2019

Contact Information

School of Nursing, Box 3322, Durham, NC 27710
charles.vacchiano@duke.edu (919) 681-3261

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Ph.D., Medical University of South Carolina, School of Medicine 1995
- B.S., The George Washington University 1984
Duke Appointment History
- Associate Professor - Track V of Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology, Clinical Science Departments 2009 - 2019
- Professor in the School of Nursing, School of Nursing, Duke University 2008 - 2019
- Instructor, Temporary in the School of Nursing, School of Nursing, Duke University 2008
Recognition
In the News
- MAR 25, 2016
  
  Brain Injury Awareness: Nursing Faculty on Life after Diagnosis
- OCT 28, 2014
  
  Five Nursing Faculty Members Named American Academy of Nursing Fellows
- JUN 25, 2014
  
  Five Duke School of Nursing Faculty Selected for Induction in American Academy of Nursing
- JAN 21, 2014
  
  Finding Hidden Damage in the Brain
Research
Selected Grants
- Exploring the Developing Concept of Nurse Anesthesia in Japan: A Qualitative Description awarded by International Federation of Nurse Anesthetists 2019 - 2020
- Planning and Discovery NBCRNA Collaboration Activities awarded by National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists 2017
- Post Doctoral Fellowship in Health Services Research awarded by American Association of Nurse Anesthetists 2015 - 2017
- Nurse Anesthesia Program Rural CRNA Initiative awarded by Health Resources and Service Administration 2009 - 2012
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Arno, A., C. Fry, D. Patel, C. Rogge, J. F. Titch, C. A. Vacchiano, and V. C. Muckler. “Recertification and Reentry to Practice for Nurse Anesthetists Using High-Fidelity Simulation: Phase III.” Journal of Nursing Regulation 11, no. 3 (October 1, 2020): 22–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(20)30131-9.
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  - Goode, V. M., C. Douglas, C. Vacchiano, and E. Merwin. “Use of the NBCRNA Self-Evaluation Examination to Predict Applicant Success in Passing the National Certification Examination on the First Attempt.” Journal of Nursing Regulation 11, no. 2 (July 1, 2020): 44–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(20)30109-5.
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  - Cieslak, Jamie R., Andi N. Rice, Jeffrey C. Gadsden, and Charles A. Vacchiano. “Does Ultrasonographic Measurement of Gastric Content Influence Airway Management Decisions?” Aana J 88, no. 2 (April 2020): 107–13.
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  - Young, Christopher C., Erica M. Harris, Charles Vacchiano, Stephan Bodnar, Brooks Bukowy, R Ryland D. Elliott, Jaclyn Migliarese, et al. “Lung-protective ventilation for the surgical patient: international expert panel-based consensus recommendations.” British Journal of Anaesthesia 123, no. 6 (December 2019): 898–913. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bja.2019.08.017.
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  - Stulce, Jill M., Clarence Biddle, and Charles Vacchiano. “Low-Flow Domiciliary Oxygen as a Mechanism of Ongoing Oxidative Stress.” Respiratory Care 64, no. 11 (November 2019): 1387–91. https://doi.org/10.4187/respcare.05618.
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  - Bedsworth, Meredith B., Erica M. Harris, Charles A. Vacchiano, Julie A. Thompson, Stuart A. Grant, and Victoria M. Goode. “Evaluating a Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase Anesthesia Providers' Use of and Understanding of Quantitative Neuromuscular Monitors.” Aana Journal 87, no. 5 (October 2019): 357–63.
  - Vetter, Alex G., Robert J. Harman, Matt J. Stamper, J. F. Titch, and Charles A. Vacchiano. “Preparing for Total Power Failure in the Operating Room.” Aana Journal 87, no. 4 (August 2019): 291–97.
  - Woelfel, Jennifer M., Charles A. Vacchiano, Carolee West, and J Frank Titch. “Nursing Perceptions and Workload Impact of a Standardized Emergence Delirium Assessment Scale in a Postanesthesia Care Unit.” Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses 34, no. 4 (August 2019): 729–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2018.11.005.
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  - Collins, R. M., C. J. Svoboda, C. A. Vacchiano, J. F. Titch, and V. C. Muckler. “Recertification and Reentry to Practice for Nurse Anesthetists, Phase II: Evaluating Reentry to Anesthesia Practice Using High-Fidelity Simulation Technology.” Journal of Nursing Regulation 10, no. 2 (July 1, 2019): 21–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(19)30112-7.
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  - Gaines, Riley R., Andi N. Rice, Jeffrey C. Gadsden, Brett T. Morgan, and Charles A. Vacchiano. “Use of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Measure Tissue Oxygen Saturation During Total Knee Arthroplasty With Use of a Tourniquet.” Aana J 87, no. 3 (June 2019): 192–98.
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  - Halladay, Margaret L., Julie A. Thompson, and Charles A. Vacchiano. “Enhancing the Quality of the Anesthesia to Postanesthesia Care Unit Patient Transfer Through Use of an Electronic Medical Record-Based Handoff Tool.” Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses 34, no. 3 (June 2019): 622–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2018.09.002.
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  - Plemmons, Molly M., Janina Marcenaro, Marilyn H. Oermann, Julie Thompson, and Charles A. Vacchiano. “Improving infection control practices of nurse anesthetists in the anesthesia workspace.” American Journal of Infection Control 47, no. 5 (May 2019): 551–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2018.12.009.
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  - Heyes, M. E., L. Schnitzen, D. G. Starr, C. Vacchiano, V. C. Muckler, L. Thiemann, and J. Frank Titch. “Recertification and Reentry to Practice for Nurse Anesthetists: Determining Core Competencies and Evaluating Performance via High-Fidelity Simulation Technology.” Journal of Nursing Regulation 8, no. 4 (January 1, 2018): 43–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(17)30181-3.
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  - Vacchiano, Charles, and Susan Silva. “Characterization of bilateral frontal lobe cerebral oxygen saturation in patients with mild traumatic brain injury.” Nursing Outlook 65, no. 5S (September 2017): S36–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2017.07.013.
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  - Stone, Linda, Scott Tyrey, Virginia C. Muckler, and Charles A. Vacchiano. “Point-of-Contact Assessment of Nurse Anesthetists' Knowledge and Perceptions of Management of Anesthesia-Related Critical Incidents.” Aana Journal 85, no. 1 (February 2017): 55–60.
  - Eliasdottir, Thorunn Scheving, David Bragason, Sveinn Hakon Hardarson, Charles Vacchiano, Thorarinn Gislason, Jona Valgerdur Kristjansdottir, Gudrun Kristjansdottir, and Einar Stefánsson. “Retinal oximetry measures systemic hypoxia in central nervous system vessels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” Plos One 12, no. 3 (January 2017): e0174026. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0174026.
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  - D’Angelo, Matthew, R Kyle Hodgen, Kenneth Wofford, and Charles Vacchiano. “A Theoretical Mathematical Model to Estimate Blood Volume in Clinical Practice.” Biological Research for Nursing 17, no. 5 (October 2015): 478–86. https://doi.org/10.1177/1099800414555410.
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  - Rice, Andi N., and Charles A. Vacchiano. “Response to Letter to the Editor.” Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses 30, no. 4 (August 2015): 268–69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2015.05.008.
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  - Hawkins, Robert, Steve Wooden, Edward Waters, and Charles Vacchiano. “NBCRNA response to Zambricki et al Guest Editorial.” Aana Journal 83, no. 2 (April 2015): 86–89.
  - Rice, Andi N., Virginia C. Muckler, Warren R. Miller, and Charles A. Vacchiano. “Fast-tracking ambulatory surgery patients following anesthesia.” Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses 30, no. 2 (April 2015): 124–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2014.01.006.
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  - Titch, J. F., and C. Vacchiano. “Pre-ictal bispectral index values; are they accurate?” British Journal of Anaesthesia 114, no. 3 (March 2015): 529–30. https://doi.org/10.1093/bja/aev019.
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  - Ikeda, Keita, David B. MacLeod, Hilary P. Grocott, Eugene W. Moretti, Warwick Ames, and Charles Vacchiano. “The accuracy of a near-infrared spectroscopy cerebral oximetry device and its potential value for estimating jugular venous oxygen saturation.” Anesth Analg 119, no. 6 (December 2014): 1381–92. https://doi.org/10.1213/ANE.0000000000000463.
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  - Wooden, Steven, Sharron Docherty, Karen Plaus, Anthony Kusek, and Charles Vacchiano. “Exploration of specialty certification for nurse anesthetists: nonsurgical pain management as a test case.” Pain Management Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses 15, no. 4 (December 2014): 789–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmn.2013.08.002.
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  - Gill, Matthew, Michael J. Natoli, Charles Vacchiano, David B. MacLeod, Keita Ikeda, Michael Qin, Neal W. Pollock, Richard E. Moon, Carl Pieper, and Richard D. Vann. “Effects of elevated oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures on respiratory function and cognitive performance.” J Appl Physiol (1985) 117, no. 4 (August 15, 2014): 406–12. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00995.2013.
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  - Wofford, Ken, Michael Hertzberg, Susan Silva, and Charles Vacchiano. “Effect of elective surgery on subjective health in veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder.” Aana J 82, no. 4 (August 2014): 285–92.
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  - Gallagher, Kaitlin, and Charles Vacchiano. “Reexamining traditional intraoperative fluid administration: evolving views in the age of goal-directed therapy.” Aana Journal 82, no. 3 (June 2014): 235–42.
  - Vacchiano, Charles A., Kenneth A. Wofford, and J Frank Titch. “Chapter 1 posttraumatic stress disorder: a view from the operating theater.” Annual Review of Nursing Research 32 (January 2014): 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1891/0739-6686.32.1.
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  - MacLeod, David B., Keita Ikeda, Charles Vacchiano, Aaron Lobbestael, Joyce A. Wahr, and Andrew D. Shaw. “Development and validation of a cerebral oximeter capable of absolute accuracy.” J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 26, no. 6 (December 2012): 1007–14. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jvca.2012.06.010.
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  - Muckler, Virginia C., Charles A. Vacchiano, Edward G. Sanders, Janet P. Wilson, and Mary T. Champagne. “Focused anesthesia interview resource to improve efficiency and quality.” J Perianesth Nurs 27, no. 6 (December 2012): 376–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jopan.2012.05.014.
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  - Wofford, Ken, Michael Hertzberg, and Charles Vacchiano. “The perioperative implications of posttraumatic stress disorder.” Aana J 80, no. 6 (December 2012): 463–70.
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  - Wofford, K., and C. Vacchiano. “Sorting through the confusion: Adverse cognitive change after surgery in adults.” Aana Journal 79, no. 4 (August 1, 2011): 335–42.
  - Bushey, Brent A., Victor H. Auld, John E. Volk, and Charles A. Vacchiano. “Combined lipid emulsion and ACLS resuscitation following bupivacaine- and hypoxia-induced cardiovascular collapse in unanesthetized swine.” Aana Journal 79, no. 2 (April 2011): 129–38.
  - Artino, Anthony R., Richard V. Folga, and Charles Vacchiano. “Normobaric hypoxia training: the effects of breathing-gas flow rate on symptoms.” Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine 80, no. 6 (June 2009): 547–52. https://doi.org/10.3357/asem.2464.2009.
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  - Vacchiano, Charles, Jeffrey Moore, George M. Rice, and Gary Crawley. “Fexofenadine effects on cognitive performance in aviators at ground level and simulated altitude.” Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine 79, no. 8 (August 2008): 754–60. https://doi.org/10.3357/asem.2212.2008.
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  - English, Lorraine A., Johnnie M. Holmes, Joseph F. Burkard, Charles A. Vacchiano, Alexander Shin, Joseph Pellegrini, and John P. Maye. “Effect of needle size on success of transarterial axillary block.” Aana Journal 72, no. 1 (February 2004): 57–60.
  - Coolong, Kevin J., Eugene McGough, Charles Vacchiano, and Joseph E. Pellegrini. “Comparison of the effects of propofol versus thiopental induction on postoperative outcomes following surgical procedures longer than 2 hours.” Aana Journal 71, no. 3 (June 2003): 215–22.
  - Winston, Anthony W., Robert S. Rinehart, George P. Riley, Charles A. Vacchiano, and Joseph E. Pellegrini. “Comparison of inhaled isopropyl alcohol and intravenous ondansetron for treatment of postoperative nausea.” Aana Journal 71, no. 2 (April 2003): 127–32.
  - Rice, G Merrill, Charles A. Vacchiano, Jeffrey L. Moore, and David W. Anderson. “Incidence of decompression sickness in hypoxia training with and without 30-min O2 prebreathe.” Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine 74, no. 1 (January 2003): 56–61.
  - Brooks, Rebekah R., Chris Oudekerk, R Lee Olson, Carol Daniel, Charles Vacchiano, and John Maye. “The effect of spinal introducer needle use on postoperative back pain.” Aana Journal 70, no. 6 (December 2002): 449–52.
  - Spence, Dennis, Ramona Domen-Herbert, Elizabeth Boulette, R Lee Olson, Charles Vacchiano, and John Maye. “A comparison of rocuronium and lidocaine for the prevention of postoperative myalgia after succinylcholine administration.” Aana Journal 70, no. 5 (October 2002): 367–72.
  - Davis, Roger, John Keenan, Alex Meza, Patrick Danaher, Charles Vacchiano, R Lee Olson, and John Maye. “Use of a simple forearm tourniquet as an adjunct to an intravenous regional block.” Aana Journal 70, no. 4 (August 2002): 295–98.
  - Oakes, Carey L., Kendall J. Ellington, Kenneth J. Oakes, R Lee Olson, Kathleen M. Neill, and Charles A. Vacchiano. “Assessment of postanesthesia short-term quality of life: a pilot study.” Aana Journal 70, no. 4 (August 2002): 267–73.
  - Todd, G., A. John, C. Vacchiano, and J. Pellegrini. “Intradermal ketorolac for reduction of epidural back pain.” International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia 11, no. 2 (April 2002): 100–104. https://doi.org/10.1054/ijoa.2001.0936.
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  - Gibbs, Robin D., Beth Ann Movinsky, Joseph Pellegrini, and Charles A. Vacchiano. “The morphine-sparing effect of metoclopramide on postoperative laparoscopic tubal ligation patients.” Aana Journal 70, no. 1 (February 2002): 27–32.
  - Ward, Robyn C., Robert L. Lawrence, Robert J. Hawkins, Steven E. DiChiara, Andrew R. Biegner, and Charles A. Vacchiano. “The use of nalmefene for intrathecal opioid-associated nausea in postpartum patients.” Aana Journal 70, no. 1 (February 2002): 57–60.
  - Gohl, M. R., R. K. Moeller, R. L. Olson, and C. A. Vacchiano. “The addition of interscalene block to general anesthesia for patients undergoing open shoulder procedures.” Aana Journal 69, no. 2 (April 2001): 105–9.
  - Kelly, J. A., J. K. Doughty, A. N. Hasselbeck, and C. A. Vacchiano. “The effect of arthroscopic irrigation fluid warming on body temperature.” Journal of Perianesthesia Nursing : Official Journal of the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses 15, no. 4 (August 2000): 245–52. https://doi.org/10.1053/jpan.2000.9463.
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  - Biegner, A. R., D. Anderson, R. L. Olson, and C. A. Vacchiano. “Quantification of insensible water loss associated with insufflation of nonhumidified CO2 in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.” Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques. Part A 9, no. 4 (August 1999): 325–29. https://doi.org/10.1089/lap.1999.9.325.
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  - Celeski, D. C., L. Heindel, J. Haas, and C. A. Vacchiano. “Effect of intrathecal fentanyl dose on the duration of labor analgesia.” Aana Journal 67, no. 3 (June 1999): 239–44.
  - Vacchiano, C. A., G. R. Osborne, and G. E. Tempel. “8-ISO-PGF2alpha production by alveolar macrophages exposed to hyperoxia.” Shock (Augusta, Ga.) 9, no. 4 (April 1998): 266–73. https://doi.org/10.1097/00024382-199804000-00006.
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  - Vacchiano, C. A., and G. E. Tempel. “Role of nonenzymatically generated prostanoid, 8-iso-PGF2 alpha, in pulmonary oxygen toxicity.” Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985) 77, no. 6 (December 1994): 2912–17. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1994.77.6.2912.
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  - Spinale, F. G., G. E. Tempel, R. Mukherjee, D. M. Eble, R. Brown, C. A. Vacchiano, and M. R. Zile. “Cellular and molecular alterations in the beta adrenergic system with cardiomyopathy induced by tachycardia.” Cardiovascular Research 28, no. 8 (August 1994): 1243–50. https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/28.8.1243.
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Teaching & Mentoring
Recent Courses

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Education, Training, & Certifications

Duke Appointment History

In the News

Selected Grants

Selected Publications

Academic Articles

Recent Courses