Latest News for the Media

Study reveals important genetic factors that could influence survival in sepsis patients

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:10:41 -0500

A study published in the June issue of Anesthesiology represents an important first step in establishing new therapeutic options targeting specific genetic areas that influence the occurrence and severity of sepsis – a life-threatening, whole-body response to infection.

Data from anesthesia information management systems help reduce costs and improve patient safety

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:38:24 -0500

Data from new electronic anesthesia information management systems (AIMS) can be used to assess surgical procedure- and institution-specific blood requirements, according to a study from the June issue of Anesthesiology.

Common brain processes of anesthetic-induced unconsciousness identified

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:16:51 -0500

A study from the June issue of Anesthesiology found feedback from the front region of the brain is a crucial building block for consciousness and that its disruption is associated with unconsciousness when the anesthetics ketamine, propofol or sevoflurane are administered.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists Breaks Ground on New Schaumburg, Ill. Headquarters

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:28:53 -0500

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) broke ground Saturday, April 27 on its new headquarters at 1061 American Lane, Schaumburg, Ill. The ceremony marked the start of construction on a three-story, 70,000 square foot, highly efficient building capable of accommodating nearly 200 employees.

Study Finds Survival from Cardiac Arrest Highest in the Operating Room or Post-anesthesia Care Unit

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:42:34 -0500

A University of Michigan study from the “Online First” edition of Anesthesiology found cardiac arrest was associated with improved survival when it occurred in the operating room (O.R.) or post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) compared to other hospital locations.

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:09:32 -0500

Anesthesia Type Affects Perioperative Outcomes in Orthopedic Surgery Patients

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:09:27 -0500

A study published in the May issue of Anesthesiology discovered that spinal or epidural anesthesia, types of regional anesthesia that numb patients from the abdomen to the toes, were associated with fewer postoperative complications and death than general anesthesia in patients undergoing primary hip or knee replacement.

Anesthesiology Study Reveals Adult Behaviors Influence Children’s Coping in the Recovery Room After Surgery

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:11:27 -0500

A study in the April issue of Anesthesiology found adult behaviors influence children’s coping in the recovery room after surgery.

American Society of Anesthesiologists Names Manuel E. Bonilla as Chief Advocacy Officer

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 12:15:17 -0600

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced the appointment of Manuel E. Bonilla, M.S. as ASA’s new chief advocacy officer, centered in the Washington, D.C. office.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Recognizes 2013 Patient Safety Awareness Week

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 10:16:24 -0600

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced its recognition of Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 3-9, 2013. Throughout the week, ASA will educate patients on the importance of physician-led care to make critical, life-saving decisions.

Epidural Analgesia for Postoperative Pain Management Is Key in Enhancing Recovery of Colorectal Surgery Patients

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 17:24:36 -0600

A new study in the March issue of Anesthesiology suggests epidural analgesia (EA) may be a more effective component in the perioperative care of patients undergoing elective open colorectal surgery than the proposed alternative, continuous wound infiltration of local anesthetics (CWI).

February Anesthesiology Studies Address the Relief of Pain in Patients After Breast Cancer Surgery and in Labor

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:14:23 -0600

Two studies from the February issue of Anesthesiology address the relief of pain. As pain physicians, anesthesiologists are committed to conducting research to better understand and treat patients suffering from acute and chronic pain.

Study Finds Genetic Variation That Could Help Predict Mortality in Patients Suffering Sepsis

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:48:00 -0600

A study in the January 2013 issue of Anesthesiology offers evidence that variations in what is called the NFκB gene could play an important role in helping to determine the survival rate of patients who acquire sepsis, a condition in which the body is overwhelmed by infection, and which is the leading cause of death in hospitals.

Is Childbirth Linked to Development of Chronic Pain?

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:46:13 -0600

Chronic pain from childbirth is remarkably rare, according to a study from the January issue of Anesthesiology.

New Jersey Appellate Court Upholds Requirement for Presence of Anesthesiologists When Nurse Anesthetists Administer Anesthesia in Hospitals

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 11:12:34 -0600

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the New Jersey State Society of Anesthesiologists (NJSSA) applaud a ruling by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, which upholds a New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) regulation requiring anesthesiologists to be present when nurse anesthetists deliver anesthesia in hospitals.

Study Indicates Opiates Already in Body May Encourage Cancer Growth, Certain Medications Could Slow It

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 11:23:17 -0600

A study led by University of Chicago researcher Patrick A. Singleton, Ph.D. and published in the journal Anesthesiology has shown that, even without the addition of further opioids such as morphine, opioids already in the body can enhance the malignant tendencies of human cancer cells.

American Society of Anesthesiologists Names Paul Pomerantz as Chief Executive Officer

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:44:32 -0600

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced the appointment of Paul Pomerantz as ASA’s new chief executive officer, effective March 4, 2013.

Inhaled Nitric Oxide Improves Outcomes in Mice Resuscitated with Stored Blood

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:44:07 -0600

Inhaled nitric oxide reduced the adverse effects of transfusing stored blood in mice, according to a study from the December issue of Anesthesiology.

Study Finds Blood Lactate and Lactate Clearance Important Prognostic Variables for Mortality in Trauma Patients

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:40:47 -0600

Early after trauma, changes in blood lactate over time, defined as lactate clearance, provide additional information predicting mortality in trauma patients according to a study from the December issue of Anesthesiology.

ASA Rebukes CMS Rule for Jeopardizing Patient Safety and Quality Health Care

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:15:35 -0500

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today expressed its serious concern regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) decision to adopt a new and untested national policy that will allow Medicare funds to be used to pay untrained providers to diagnose and treat chronic pain.

First National Survey of Anesthesiologists Over 50 Identifies Factors That Could Influence Predicted Physician Shortage

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:02:23 -0500

A large, first-of-its-kind national survey of older anesthesiologists has gathered important data that could be used by physicians and their employers to prepare for an expected undersupply of anesthesiologists in the near future.

Two Commonly Used Anesthetics Produce Different Metabolic Patterns in Children’s Unconscious Brains

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 16:57:45 -0500

Two commonly used anesthetics produce different metabolic patterns in the brains of unconscious children, according to a study from the November issue of Anesthesiology.

Diabetes Notification System to Improve Perioperative Outcomes

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:27:39 -0500

A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012™ annual meeting revealed that adding increased glucose monitoring throughout surgical procedures will allow anesthesiologists to optimize the perioperative and surgical care of millions of diabetic patients throughout the world.

Study Finds Link Between Robotic Prostate Surgery and Increased Eye Injury Over 10-year Period

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:25:37 -0500

A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2012 annual meeting found that during the years 2000-2009, eye injuries during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) increased nearly 10-fold, from a .07 percent incidence rate to .42 percent.

Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy: Yes, There's an App for That

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:23:53 -0500

A study presented during the ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2012 annual meeting has shown that an iPhone application called iLarynx™ was so effective at simulating fiberoptic bronchoscopy that when app-trained students eventually used a real bronchoscope on a manikin, they completed the procedure in less than half the time than students exposed only to anatomy photos.

iPad Helps Duke University Team Keep an Eye on Your Heart

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:21:16 -0500

A team of researchers from Duke University speaking at the ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2012 annual meeting revealed the development of a new 3-D tool that enables trainees in transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to have real-time instruction in obtaining and interpreting high-quality images of the heart and major vessels – and it’s all just a finger swipe away on your Apple iPad.

Ethnicity and Language Said to Influence Negative Postoperative Behavioral Change in Children

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:16:27 -0500

A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012™ annual meeting found children’s negative behavioral change after surgery differs among Spanish- and English-speaking White and Hispanic families.

Early Exposure to Cigarette Smoke Leads to Greater Risk for Respiratory Disease

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:14:27 -0500

Research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2012 annual meeting revealed cigarette smoke adversely affects the developing human airway, especially in prematurity.

Is Immediate and Long-term Pain After a Motor Vehicle Collision Hereditary?

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:12:22 -0500

Two studies presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2012 annual meeting found that hereditary genes were responsible for the amount and type of pain experienced after a motor vehicle collision (MVC).

Research Reveals Decline in Illicit Drug Abuse; Prescription Abuse on the Rise

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:10:08 -0500

Research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2012 annual meeting showed while there has been an encouraging decline in illicit drug abuse across most major metropolitan areas in recent years, prescription drug abuse is climbing.

Botox Injections Proven to Reduce Chronic Neck and Cervical Muscle Pain

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:08:06 -0500

A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY 2012™ annual meeting revealed Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX) injections significantly improve pain and quality of life in people with chronic bilateral posterior neck and shoulder myofascial pain syndrome.

Study Finds Rise in Maternal Sepsis-related Mortality

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:05:58 -0500

A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2012 annual meeting reports that severity and death rates are increasing in pregnant and postpartum women with sepsis.

Study Finds Language Disparities Among Hispanic Women in Labor Impact Epidural Use

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:03:13 -0500

A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2012 annual meeting found the role of women’s primary language impacts whether or not they receive an epidural for pain relief during labor.

'Ancient Dream' of Pain-free Labor for Chinese Women Becoming Reality

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:57:46 -0500

A study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2012 annual meeting revealed sometimes dramatic findings from a 10-year initiative called the “No Pain Labor N’ Delivery China Mission.”

Cost Savings, Successful Outcomes, Found in New Anesthesiologist Model of Care

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:54:17 -0500

Using a comprehensive preoperative triage system directed by anesthesiologists, a team of researchers at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans has shown marked reductions in patient charges for common medical tests – without sacrificing quality of care and successful outcomes.

John M. Zerwas, M.D. Installed as President of the American Society of Anesthesiologists

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:49:40 -0500

John M. Zerwas, M.D. was installed today as President of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) during the ANESTHESIOLOGY™ 2012 annual meeting.

ASA Presents Ralph Lydic, Ph.D. With 2012 Excellence in Research Award

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:35:32 -0500

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today presented Ralph Lydic, Ph.D. with its 2012 ASA Excellence in Research Award.

ASA Presents Peter Nagele, M.D., M.Sc. With 2012 Presidential Scholar Award

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:16:00 -0500

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today presented Peter Nagele, M.D., M.Sc. with its 2012 ASA Presidential Scholar Award.

Jeffrey L. Apfelbaum, M.D. Honored With Distinguished Service Award by the American Society of Anesthesiologists

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:00:44 -0500

In recognition of exemplary service, Jeffrey L. Apfelbaum, M.D. today received the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Distinguished Service Award.

Expert Physicians Address Fungal Meningitis Outbreak

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 18:15:33 -0500

Four experts in anesthesiology, infectious disease and pain medicine discussed the recent U.S. meningitis outbreak in the Late-Breaking Education Panel, “The Fungal Meningitis Crisis,” on Sunday, Oct. 14.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists Joins Campaign to Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:13:40 -0500

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced its strategic partnership with The Partnership at Drugfree.org’s new national campaign, The Medicine Abuse Project, to prevent half a million teens from abusing drugs.

Anesthesiology Study Finds Ultrasounds Effective in Increasing Diagnostic and Therapeutic Accuracy in Critical Care Patients

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:25:30 -0500

A study published in the October issue of Anesthesiology analyzed the effectiveness of ultrasound examination in the diagnosis and treatment of critical care patients.

ASA Responds to CMS Proposed Rule to Reimburse Nurses for Chronic Pain Services

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:07:59 -0500

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today urged the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to rescind its proposal that would create a new national payment policy for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain services by nurse anesthetists (NAs).

ASA Refresher Courses in Anesthesiology Turns 40

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:21:27 -0500

One of ASA’s most popular and profitable publications has turned 40 this year. Since 1973, the ASA Refresher Courses in Anesthesiology publication has specialized in offering the latest innovations in the specialty and describing the newest interventions and therapies available.

Study Finds Point-of-care Testing Algorithms Effective in Reducing Perioperative Bleeding Complications in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:56:13 -0500

A study from the September issue of Anesthesiology determined that certain blood clotting treatment algorithms helped decrease blood transfusion requirements in cardiac surgery patients and were associated with improved outcomes and hospital cost-savings.

Area Doctor to Run in Annual 5K After Relearning to Walk

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:06:02 -0500

Registration is now open for the Third Annual ASA Run For The Warriors®. The 5K race will be held on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at Anacostia Park, one of Washington, D.C.'s largest recreation areas...

American Society of Anesthesiologists Launches Campaign in Opposition to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Proposal to Pay Nurse Anesthetists for Pain Procedures

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:52:43 -0500

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today launched a nationwide grassroots campaign in opposition to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) proposal to pay nurse anesthetists for chronic pain service.

Study Finds Epidural Analgesia Not to Blame for Fever in Laboring Women

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:50:38 -0500

A study from the August issue of Anesthesiology provides evidence contrary to prior reports that fever in laboring women is associated with epidural analgesia.

New Public Education Campaign on Anesthesia Launches to Help Make Iowa Healthiest State

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:00:16 -0500

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and Iowa Society of Anesthesiologists (ISA) today launched a public education campaign to help put the minds of Iowa residents at ease about surgical procedures and the associated risks of anesthesia.

The Contribution of Genetics, Environmental Factors and Demographics to the Side Effects of Opioid Pain Killers

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 14:37:53 -0500

A study in the July issue of Anesthesiology analyzes why some patients are more susceptible to problems caused by opioids, corner stone medications for the treatment of acute and chronic pain.