Latest News for the Media

June Anesthesiology Studies Show Promise for Alpha-2 Agonists to Reduce Opioid Use, Challenge Effectiveness of Simulator Manikins for Airway Training

Tue, 22 May 2012 16:46:39 -0500

Research published in the June issue of Anesthesiology analyzes the causes of complications such as stroke and cognitive impairment after surgery.

Study Finds Inflammasome Impacts Lung Injury in Patients Who Receive Mechanical Ventilation

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:56:33 -0500

A new study in the May issue of Anesthesiology examined the role of one particular receptor in the inflammatory pathway, the NLRP3 inflammasome, and whether it impacts ventilator-induced lung injury.

Study Finds Potential Link Between Morphine-Like Chemicals or Drugs and Breast Cancer

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:53:24 -0500

A new study in the April issue of Anesthesiology analyzed inherited (genetic) differences in how the body responds to its own morphine-like chemicals and pain-relieving opioid drugs, and whether they influence breast cancer survival.

Study Finds That Brain Structure and Presurgical Cognitive Performance Should Be Considered for Assessing Risks and Treatment for Elderly Surgical Patients

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:09:07 -0600

A study published in the March issue of Anesthesiology found that elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), as well as normal elderly undergoing surgery experienced increased levels of brain atrophy beyond what is expected from normal aging.

Study Finds Older Anesthesiologists Have Higher Rates of Litigation

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:05:52 -0600

A Canadian study published in the March issue of Anesthesiology found that there was a higher frequency of litigation and a greater severity of patient injury associated with those litigations when the anesthesiologist was 65 years of age or older.

Trauma Care

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:11:36 -0600

Anesthesiologists have a critical job in trauma cases. The anesthesiologist is the physician most responsible for keeping a patient alive while others provide treatment of the patient's physical injuries.

New Study in Anesthesiology Supports Mixed Lipid Emulsion to Reverse Toxicity of Local Anesthetics

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:14:09 -0600

A new study in the February issue of Anesthesiology found that the type of lipid emulsion used to reverse toxicity of local anesthetics may make a difference in effectiveness of the reversal.

Large Study Helps to Define Risk Factors for Pregnancy-Related Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, a Leading Cause of Maternal Mortality

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:11:05 -0600

A large study published in the February issue of Anesthesiology found that the devastating complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occurs in approximately 1/15,000 pregnancies, that high-blood pressure disorders are the most common risk factor...

Largest Study to Date on Blindness After Spine Surgery Identifies 6 Risk Factors, Offers Potential Modifications to Decrease Complications

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:02:06 -0600

A study published in the January 2012 issue of Anesthesiology identified six risk factors associated with blindness or partial blindness that can occur after major spine surgery...

Study Finds Great Variance Between Hospitals as to Whether or Not Patients Undergo a Preoperative Medical Consultation

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:52:52 -0600

Researchers in Toronto, Canada found that whether a patient received a preoperative medical consultation was not tied to his/her health or the risk of the operation, rather...

December Anesthesiology News Briefs

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:29:13 -0600

Two review articles from the December issue of Anesthesiology analyze evidence for the perioperative risks of heart attacks and sepsis after surgery.

Study Finds Single Dose of Erythopoietin Reduces Transfusion Requirements of Anemic Cardiac Surgical Patients, Without Any Side Effects

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:19:43 -0500

A study presented in the November 2011 issue of Anesthesiology has discovered that administration of a single intravenous dose of erythropoietin, plus iron supplement, one day before surgery, significantly reduced blood transfusion requirements...

Jerry A. Cohen, M.D. Installed as President of the American Society of Anesthesiologists

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:05:00 -0500

Jerry A. Cohen, M.D. was installed today as President of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) during the association’s Annual Meeting.

New Assessment Tool Helps Detect Parental Behaviors That Lead to Poor Outcomes in Children Undergoing Surgery

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:03:22 -0500

A clinical study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011 highlighted a behavioral assessment tool that may help anesthesia providers identify pre-surgical behaviors in parents and children that lead to...

Recommended Approach to Pain Management After Surgery Not Yet Standard Practice

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:01:21 -0500

In a new study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011, researchers from Thomas Jefferson University identified that multimodal analgesia, a combination of pain medication and therapeutic measures to improve pain control...

Can Blood Type Determine Risk After Heart Surgery?

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:59:53 -0500

A new study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011 focused on whether blood type affects survival after heart surgery.

Study Finds That, for Obese Children, Less is More When it Comes to General Anesthesia

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:56:38 -0500

A study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011 this week found that obese children required much smaller doses of the anesthetic propofol than non-obese children to bring about a safe level of unconsciousness.

Study Finds Obese Asthmatic Children Experience More Complications with Anesthesia

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:54:54 -0500

A study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011 found that obese asthmatic children were nearly two times as likely to have at least one respiratory complication during or after surgery compared to their lean peers.

Mark J. Lema, M.D., Ph.D. Honored with Distinguished Service Award by the American Society of Anesthesiologists

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:53:02 -0500

In recognition of exemplary services, Mark J. Lema, M.D., Ph.D. today received the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Distinguished Service Award.

Are Older Patients Better Drivers After Surgery?

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:51:40 -0500

A study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011 found that older patients drove more safely than their younger counterparts after surgery and anesthesia care at an ambulatory surgery facility.

Tailor-Made Epidurals: Study Finds Age, Weight and Length of Labor Can Significantly Affect Pain Care

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:49:43 -0500

According to a study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011 in Chicago, first-time mothers, obese women, and women who have longer labors are at higher risk for pain than other laboring women.

Study is One of First to Help Identify Women at Risk for Pain After Repeat Cesarean Delivery

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:47:17 -0500

A study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011 in Chicago is perhaps the first to evaluate pain associated with surgical incisions or scars before repeat cesarean (CS) procedures...

New Pain Treatment Plan for Women Who Have Cesarean Delivery

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:44:45 -0500

A new study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011 investigated whether an increase in pain treatment in patients at high risk for severe pain after surgery reduces these complications after a cesarean delivery.

Study Finds That Anesthetics Do Not Cause Postoperative Delirium in the Elderly

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:40:47 -0500

A study presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011 in Chicago this week offered firm evidence that commonly used inhaled anesthetics such as isoflurane do not increase the incidence of postoperative delirium...

ASA and Hope for The Warriors® Recognize Wounded Warriors Sacrifices During ANESTHESIOLOGY 2011

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:39:04 -0500

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is partnering with Hope For The Warriors® for the ASA Run For The Warriors® 5K Run/Walk along Chicago’s scenic waterfront on October 16 at 7 a.m.

Anesthesia Quality Institute Activates First Nationwide System to Collect Anesthesia Data to Improve Patient Safety

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:36:38 -0500

The Anesthesia Quality Institute (AQI) has activated the first nationwide system to collect individual adverse events from anesthesia, pain management and perioperative care.

American Society of Anesthesiologists Joins Sharecare as New Content Collaborator to Educate Patients about Anesthesia

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:51:58 -0500

Sharecare announced today that the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has joined their robust network of experts to help answer patient questions about anesthesia experiences.

Study Finds Cognitive Strategies to Reduce Pain Involve Different Brain Systems

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:41:28 -0500

A new study from the October issue of Anesthesiology analyzed whether two of the most commonly applied strategies involve different brain systems.

American Society of Anesthesiologists Releases Statement Related to Media Inquiries Regarding Michael Jackson’s Death and the Trial of Dr. Conrad Murray

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 14:35:19 -0500

In response to media inquiries regarding propofol reportedly found at the scene of Michael Jackson’s death and now being discussed at Dr. Conrad Murray’s trial, the American Society of Anesthesiologists releases the following statement...

American Society of Anesthesiologists Provides Anesthesia Information Resources for Patients in Social Media

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:33:24 -0500

The American Society of Anesthesiologists launched a new video today on its YouTube channel that highlights the need for responsible use of pain medication and proper disposal of the drugs.

Study Showed Stimulant Medication Helped ‘Wake Up’ Animals From General Anesthesia

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:25:04 -0500

A study published in October’s issue of Anesthesiology found that methylphenidate, a drug used in patients to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, when given to rats while under general anesthesia caused them to awaken faster...

September Anesthesiology News Briefs

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:59:52 -0500

A study and editorial published in the September issue of Anesthesiology explore postoperative pain, one of the most common adverse events after surgery.

New Public Education Campaign on Anesthesia Launches in Response to High Rates of Illness and Disease in Michigan

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:16:35 -0500

Thanks to a new public education campaign launched today by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists (MSA), patients in Michigan are one step closer to putting their mind at ease about surgical procedures and the associated risks of anesthesia.

August Anesthesiology News Briefs

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 14:13:55 -0500

The August issue of Anesthesiology is now available online and features studies as well as editorials that provide new insights into the use of steroids to treat septic patients as well as lipids used to minimize heart damage in heart attack patients.

Herbal and Dietary Supplement Use and Anesthesia

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:50:20 -0500

Development of New Predictive Model to Reduce Postoperative Respiratory Complication

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:41:52 -0500

A new study in the July issue of Anesthesiology helped developed a model that could determine which patients are at high risk of developing acute lung injury (ALI).

Is Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Hereditary?

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:39:36 -0500

A new study from the July issue of Anesthesiology analyzed whether patients who experience postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) have a genetic predisposition for the side effect.

Time Surrounding Pediatric Surgery Provides Excellent Opportunity to Help Parents Quit Smoking

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 15:36:24 -0500

A study published in the July issue of Anesthesiology has found that parents who smoke are more likely to attempt to quit during the time of their child’s surgery – but that they are not more likely to succeed.

Anesthesiology – June 2011 News Briefs

Tue, 24 May 2011 12:04:10 -0500

Research published in the June issue of Anesthesiology analyzes the causes of complications such as stroke and cognitive impairment after surgery.

Survey Reveals 90 Percent of Anesthesiologists Experiencing Drug Shortages of Anesthetics

Fri, 06 May 2011 12:02:14 -0500

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced the findings from its nationwide Drug Shortages Survey. Results showed that more than 90 percent of anesthesiologist respondents are currently experiencing a shortage of at least one anesthetic.

Study’s Findings About Anesthesia and Young Children Encouraging to Parents

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:36:03 -0500

Young children exposed to a brief, single anesthetic did not show any evidence of adverse long-term effects on the brain, according to a new Danish study published in the May issue of Anesthesiology.

PharMEDium Becomes a Corporate Supporter of ASA

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:15:47 -0500

PharMEDium Healthcare Corporation has become an Industry Supporter of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), as a part of a new Corporate Supporter program available to pharmaceutical, medical device and practice management companies.

Homicides Using Anesthesia Medications Increase - Examined in Medical Journal

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:23:58 -0500

A study published in March’s issue of Anesthesiology examines several homicides involving anesthetic drugs and calls on anesthesiologists to assist in the investigation and prosecution of criminals who divert and kill with these drugs.

B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels Predict Outcomes in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:17:01 -0500

New research in the April issue of Anesthesiology examines whether the hormone plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) helps indicate which patients are at risk of adverse cardiac events after CABG surgery.

Surviving Sepsis May Be in the Genes

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 12:10:22 -0500

New research in the April issue of Anesthesiology shows for the first time a genetic marker in patients who have a greater likelihood of surviving sepsis.

Stop Smoking Before Surgery

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:51:16 -0600

Learn why stopping smoking before surgery can have an impact on your outcome.

Anesthesiology February 2011 News Briefs

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:30:03 -0600

Sporting a cleaner, more modern appearance for 2011, the February issue of Anesthesiology features a study evaluating a new way of predicting postoperative risk after cardiac surgery, and also introduces two new sections for 2011.

ASA Nominee Receives AMA Award for International Health

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:28:01 -0600

Chicago physician Kathleen Casey, M.D., FACS, today received an AMA Foundation Excellence in Medicine Award. Dr. Casey, a Chicago physician, was nominated for the award by ASA leadership and was the recipient of the Dr. Nathan Davis International Award in Medicine.

ASA Member Recognized for Excellence in Clinical Simulation Training, Education and Research

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:25:50 -0600

ASA member and Veterans Health Administration employee David M. Gaba, M.D., was recently named one of the first two recipients to earn the Under Secretary for Health’s Award for Excellence in Clinical Simulation Training, Education and Research.

ASA Statement on Sodium Thiopental’s Removal From the Market

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:22:29 -0600

The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and its members are extremely troubled to learn that the anesthetic drug, sodium thiopental (Pentothal^®), will no longer be available to patients in the United States due to the unfortunate circumstances in Italy that led the sole manufacturer, Hospira, to cease production of the drug.