Burns

Journal Article

  1. Mehta SP, Bhananker SM, Posner, KL, Domino KB. Operating Room Fires: A Closed Claims Analysis. Anesthesiology 2013 May; 118(5):1133-1139  |  NLM PubMed Link  |  Subjects: General Anesthesia, Regional Anesthesia / Monitored Anesthesia Care, Equipment Problems as Damaging Events, Burns
    This study used the ASA Closed Claims Program database to assess patterns of injury and liability associated with operating room (OR) fires. Files from 1985 to 2009 were reviewed for this study. OR fires were an increasing source of injury to patients and liability for anesthesiologists. Electrocautery procedures in the presence of supplemental oxygen, especially by open delivery systems, during MAC were predominant mechanisms for OR fires. Continuing education and communication along with fire prevention protocols are crucial components to reducing the occurrence of OR fires.
  2. Cheney FW, Posner KL, Caplan RA, Gild WM: Burns from warming devices in anesthesia. Anesthesiology 80:806-810, 1994.  |  NLM PubMed Link  |  Subjects: Burns
    Of 3,000 total claims there were 54 burns of which 28 resulted from materials or devices used to warm patients. IV fluid bags or bottles warmed in an oven and then applied to the patient's skin were responsible for 18 of the 28 (64%) of burns associated with warming devices. Because IV fluid bags or bottles warmed in an OR oven are not an efficient method of patient warming, there seems to be little justification for their use.

Newsletter

Video/Multimedia

  1. On Patient Fires: Prevention during monitored anesthesia care (Educational Video)  |  Subjects: General Anesthesia, Regional Anesthesia / Monitored Anesthesia Care, Equipment Problems as Damaging Events, Burns  |  Full Text

Abstract

  1. Mehta SP, Posner KL, Domino KB. Burns from Warming Devices and Heated Materials: A Closed Claims Update. Anesthesiology, A1079, 2012.  |  Subjects: Equipment Problems as Damaging Events, Burns  |  PDF icon mehta_burns_A1079.pdf
  2. Mehta S, Posner KL, Chandanabhumma P, Bhananker SM, Lee LA, Domino KB: Closed Claims Analysis of Cautery Fires in the Operating Room. Anesthesiology A1722, 2011.  |  Subjects: Burns  |  PDF icon Click here for .pdf
  3. Kressin KA, Posner KL, Lee LA, Cheney FW, Domino KB: Burn Injury in the OR: A Closed Claims Analysis.Anesthesiology, 101: A-1282, 2004.  |  Subjects: Burns  |  PDF icon Click here for .pdf

Closed Claims Bibliography

To access a complete bibliography of peer-reviewed journal articles from the Closed Claims Program, click here; Closed Claims Program Bibliography . You may also request delivery of the bibliography via e-mail, fax or postal mail.

Note to Patients

These studies are primarily designed to aid physicians in improving their clinical practice. We are sorry we cannot address individual patient questions or give medical or legal advice or provide data analysis.
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