Anesthesia

Results of a new American Medical Association survey indicate many patients are confused and lack an understanding of the role of a physician anesthesiologist, according to a news release from the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Novices have greater success with tracheal intubation using an optical laryngoscope compared with a rigid laryngoscope, according to a study published in the Feb. 2011 issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia.

Physicians and pharmacists are criticizing a decision by Hospira, the sole maker of the anesthetic thiopental sodium, to permanently halt the anesthetic's production, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

Pain perception to minor physical stimuli prior to surgery could be related to subsequent pain ratings after surgery, according to a literature review published in the Feb. 2011 issue of Anesthesiology.

AnesthesiaCare, based in Dallas, has named Michael R. Williams, MD, as executive vice president, according to an AnesthesiaCare release.

Here are 10 recent studies on anesthesia quality issues, according to reports from various publications and organizations.

CMS recently issued revised Interpretative Guidelines to the Hospital Conditions of Participation that remove language exempting labor epidurals from physician supervision requirements, according to an ASA news release.

John B. Carter, MD, a board-certified anesthesiologist, has established his medical practice with OU Physicians, according to a University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center release.

Philip S. Koerper, MD, chief of anesthesia at Kentucky Surgery Center, recently sat down with an editorial staff member at Beckers ASC Review. He discusses five ways that ambulatory surgery center's anesthesiologists can help promote high-quality patient care and good…

The American Society of Anesthesiologists says it is "extremely troubled" to learn that the anesthetic sodium thiopental, or Pentothal, has been removed from the U.S. market after its sole manufacturer ceased production of the drug, according to an ASA release.