Page 11 - Part 2 Anesthesiology Common Risk Issues

SVMIC Anesthesiology: Common Risk Issues

• Remind the patient that the risk was discussed with him/

her prior to surgery and was contained in the form he/she
signed.

• Be sure to offer a “blameless apology”, i.e. that you’re sorry

the complication occurred, followed by the suggestion that
the patient follow-up with his/her dentist.

• If the patient requests payment, advise that the matter
will be reviewed in light of the request, but one has to be

careful not to commit to payment until this review has
occurred.

Inappropriate Response to Emergencies

Because anesthesia has become so safe over the last three
decades, it is rare that an anesthesiologist or CRNA experiences

a major anesthesia adverse event. Inappropriate response to
emergencies may be a preventable issue when it results from

neglecting maintenance issues including failure to do the
anesthesia equipment checks or checks on backup equipment.

Examples from SVMIC’s claims include:

• In a failed airway situation, a dim bulb in the fiber optic

scope caused delay in intubating and possibly contributed
to hypoxic encephalopathy

• During resuscitation efforts, cardioversion paddles that had

been left uncharged delayed resuscitation attempts and
again contributed to a poor outcome

Although an intraoperative anesthesia catastrophe is unlikely,
the anesthesiologist/CRNA must be prepared. The Adverse

Event Protocol that was first published in The Journal of Clinical

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