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Journal Articles

  1. Caplan RA, Ward RJ, Posner K, Cheney FW: Unexpected cardiac arrest during spinal anesthesia: A closed claims analysis of predisposing factors. Anesthesiology 68:5-11, 1988. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Anesthesia - Regional / MAC, Cardiovascular System
    1. This is an in-depth review of 14 cases of unexpected cardiac arrest in healthy patients which were identified in the first 900 claims reviewed in the ASA Closed Claims Project. A major factor in the poor outcome (six deaths, eight permanent brain damage) seemed to be inadequate appreciation of the need for early treatment of cardiac arrest with alpha agonists in order to counteract sympathetic blockade.
  2. Caplan RA, Posner K, Ward RJ, Cheney FW: Peer reviewer agreement for major anesthetic mishaps. Quality Review Bulletin 14:363-368, 1988. [NLM PubMed Link] See also: Quality of Care, Peer Review
    1. A study of the reliability of closed claims reviewer judgments about standard of care, presence or absence of human error, and the role of better monitoring in the prevention of anesthetic mishaps. Forty-two anesthesiologists reviewed 48 closed claim abstracts of anesthetic mishaps. The data demonstrated that anesthesiologists from widely different backgrounds can produce a cohesive set of judgments about anesthetic mishaps.
  3. Cheney FW, Posner K, Caplan RA, Ward RJ: Standard of care and anesthesia liability. JAMA 261:1599-1603, 1989. [NLM PubMed Link] See also: Quality of Care, Project Overview
    1. The ASA Closed Claims database of 1,004 lawsuits was examined to define the impact of the "Standard of Care" as judged by practicing anesthesiologists on the likelihood and amount of financial recovery. This paper provides a general overview of the methodology of the project. The most important finding was that if the anesthesiologist provides appropriate care there is still a greater than 40% chance that payment will be made for a claim of malpractice.
  4. Tinker JH, Dull DL, Caplan RA, Ward RJ, Cheney FW: Role of monitoring devices in prevention of anesthetic mishaps: A closed claims analysis. Anesthesiology 71:541-546, 1989. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also Monitoring - Physiologic
    1. A review of 1,175 closed claims indicated that about one-third of the negative outcomes could have been prevented by application of additional monitors. The adverse outcomes judged preventable by additional monitoring (end tidal CO2 and pulse oximetry) are eleven times more costly than those mishaps not judged preventable.
  5. Caplan RA, Posner KL, Ward RJ, Cheney FW: Adverse respiratory events in anesthesia: A closed claims analysis. Anesthesiology 72:828-833, 1990. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Respiratory System
    1. A review of 1,541 cases from the ASA Closed Claims database showed that three mechanisms of injury accounted for three-fourths of the adverse respiratory events: inadequate ventilation (196 claims; 38%), esophageal intubation (94 claims; 18%), and difficult tracheal intubation (87 claims; 17%). The esophageal intubation group was notable in that in 48% of the cases where auscultation of breath sounds were performed and documented, this test led to the erroneous conclusion that the endotracheal tube was correctly located in the trachea.
  6. Kroll DA, Caplan RA, Posner K, Ward RJ, Cheney FW: Nerve injury associated with anesthesia. Anesthesiology 73:202-207, 1990. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Injury - Nerve
    1. Of 1,541 claims reviewed, 227 (15%) were for anesthesia related nerve injury. Ulnar neuropathy represented one-third of all nerve injuries and was the most frequent nerve injury. Less frequent sites of injury were brachial plexus (23%) and the lumbosacral nerve roots (16%). Nerve damage is a significant source of anesthesia related claims but the exact mechanism of the injury is often unclear.
  7. Posner KL, Sampson PD, Caplan RA, Ward RJ, Cheney FW: Measuring interrater reliability among multiple raters: An example of methods for nominal data. Statistics in Medicine 9:1103-1115, 1990. [NLM PubMed Link] See also: Peer Review
    1. This paper describes some of the statistical refinements utilized to measure interrater reliability in the ASA Closed Claims Project.
  8. Chadwick HS, Posner K, Caplan RA, Ward RJ, Cheney FW: A comparison of obstetric and nonobstetric anesthesia malpractice claims. Anesthesiology 74:242-249, 1991. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Obstetrics
    1. This is a review of 190 obstetric anesthesia claims which represent 12% of the overall 1,541 ASA Closed Claims Project database. The most common OB claims were maternal death (22% of all OB claims), newborn brain damage (20%), and headache (12%). The group of OB claims contained a proportionally greater number of minor injuries such as headache, backache, pain during anesthesia and emotional injury (32%) compared to the non-OB claims (4%).
  9. Caplan RA, Posner K, Cheney FW: Effect of outcome on physician judgments of appropriateness of care. JAMA 265:1957-1960, 1991. [NLM PubMed Link] See also: Quality of Care, Peer Review. Order this article from: ASA Closed Claims Project
    1. Twenty-one cases which involved adverse anesthetic outcome were reviewed by 112 practicing anesthesiologists who were asked to judge the standard of care. Matched sets of cases were judged which differed only in outcome. A significant inverse relationship was noted between severity of outcome and appropriateness of care. For the same clinical scenario, as the severity of patient injury increased care was more apt to be judged substandard.
  10. Cheney FW, Posner KL, Caplan RA: Adverse respiratory events infrequently leading to malpractice suits. Anesthesiology 75:932-939, 1991. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Respiratory System
    1. This report is concerned with five categories of adverse respiratory events, airway trauma (97 claims, 5% of the database), pneumothorax (67 claims, 3% of database), airway obstruction (56 claims, 3% of the database), aspiration (56 claims, 3% of the database) and bronchospasm (40 claims, 2% of the database). Airway trauma was associated with difficult intubation in 42% of the claims and the most frequent sites of injury were larynx, pharynx and esophagus. Pneumothorax was usually either needle related (block or central vascular catheter placement) or airway management related (instrumentation or barotrauma). Bronchospasm tended to occur during induction of general anesthesia in patients with a history of asthma or COPD and/or smoking.
  11. Gild WM, Posner KL, Caplan RA, Cheney FW: Eye injuries associated with anesthesia. Anesthesiology 76:204-208, 1992. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Injury - Eye. Order this article from: ASA Closed Claims Project
    1. A closed claims analysis of 73 claims for eye injury (4% of the data base). Two subgroups were identified: (1) corneal abrasion as the commonness single injury, characterized by uncertain mechanism and low severity of injury; (2) patient movement during eye surgery as the commonness identified mechanism of injury, characterized by uniformly poor outcome (blindness), standard of care determinations and payment data. Identification of these two distinct subgroups emphasizes the need for development of clinical strategies designed to ensure patient immobility during ophthalmic surgery, as well as research into the mechanism of corneal abrasion during anesthesia.
  12. Morray JP, Geiduschek JM, Caplan RA, Posner KL, Gild WM, Cheney FW: A comparison of pediatric and adult anesthesia closed malpractice claims. Anesthesiology 78:461-467, 1993. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Pediatrics
    1. This is a review of 238 anesthesia related closed claims in the pediatric age group in a total database of 2400 claims. The mechanism of injury was much more apt to be of respiratory origin in the pediatric as opposed to the adult claims.
  13. Sivarajan M, Posner KL, Caplan RA, Gild WM, Cheney FW: Substance abuse among anesthesiologists: I. [Letter to the Editor]. Anesthesiology 80:704, 1994. [NLM PubMed Link] See also: Substance Abuse
    1. The database of 2,715 claims was reviewed to ascertain the possible role of substance abuse in malpractice litigation against anesthesiologists. Substance abuse was mentioned in only seven case summaries as playing a role in the claims.
  14. Cheney FW, Posner KL, Caplan RA, Gild WM: Burns from warming devices in anesthesia. Anesthesiology 80:806-810, 1994. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Injury - Burns. Order this article from: ASA Closed Claims Project
    1. 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.
  15. Posner KL, Caplan RA, Cheney FW: Variation in expert opinion in medical malpractice review. Anesthesiology 85:1049-54, 1996. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Peer Review, Malpractice System
    1. Medical experts in malpractice claim review rely on implicit (personal,unstated) rather than explicit (stated prior to review) criteria in assessing whether the standard of care was met. The data collection process of the ASA Closed Claims Project was used to investigate the role of this implicit assessment process in expert opinion. Reviewing original documents, anesthesiologists agreed on 62% of claims and disagreed on 38%, suggesting that divergent opinions may be easily found in seeking opinions from multiple experts.
  16. Caplan RA, Vistica MF, Posner KL, Cheney FW: Adverse anesthetic outcomes arising from gas delivery equipment: A closed claims analysis. Anesthesiology 87: 741-8, 1997. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Anesthesia - General, Equipment Problems. Order this article from: ASA Closed Claims Project
    1. Problems with equipment used in anesthesia gas delivery systems accounted for 72 (2%) of 3,791 claims in the database. The specific devices involved in these claims were the anesthesia machine, breathing circuit, supplemental oxygen delivery tubing, supply tanks or lines, vaporizors and ventilators. Misuse of equipment was more common than equipment failure, and most of these equipment problems (76%) resulted in death or brain damage. Claims associated with gas delivery equipment are infrequent but sever and continue to occur in the 1990's.
  17. Domino KB, Posner KL, Caplan RA, Cheney FW: Awareness during anesthesia: A closed claims analysis. Anesthesiology 90: 1053-1061, 1999. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Anesthesia - General, Injury - Awareness. Order this article from: ASA Closed Claims Project
    1. Deficiencies of labeling and vigilance were common causes for awake paralysis, whereas recall during general anesthesia represented a more diverse group. Claims for recall during general anesthesia were more likely in females and with nitrous-narcotic-relaxant techniques.
  18. Cheney FW, Domino KB, Caplan RA, Posner KL: Nerve injury associated with anesthesia: A closed claims analysis. Anesthesiology 90: 1062-1069, 1999. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Injury - Nerve. Order this article from: ASA Closed Claims Project
    1. The major categories of nerve injury for which a claim of malpractice against anesthesiologists was made include ulnar nerve, brachial plexus, spinal cord, and lumbosacral nerve root. Although ulnar neuropathy was the most common injury overall, spinal cord injury was the most common category among claims in which the injury occurred in the 1990s.
  19. Cheney FW: The American Society of Anesthesiologists Closed Claims Project: What Have We Learned, How Has It Affected Practice, and How Will It Affect Practice in the Future? Anesthesiology 91: 552-556, 1999. [NLM PubMed Link] See also: Project Overview
    1. The American Society of Anesthesiologists Closed Claims Project is a standardized collection of anesthesia-related adverse outcomes retrieved from closed malpractice claims against anesthesiologists. The data obtained provide a unique tool for improving anesthesia-related patient safety and reducing liability exposure for the anesthesiologist.
  20. Domino KB, Posner KL, Caplan RA, Cheney FW: Airway injury during anesthesia. A closed claims analysis. Anesthesiology 91:1703-1711, 1999. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Respiratory System. Order this article from: ASA Closed Claims Project
    1. Claims for airway injury form a major subgroup of anesthesia malpractice claims. Perforation of the pharynx or esophagus associated with difficult intubation may result in the delayed presentation of retropharyngeal abscess or mediastinitis.
  21. Fitzgibbon DR, Posner KL, Domino KB, Caplan RA, Lee LA, Cheney FW: Chronic pain management: American Society of Anesthesiologists Closed Claims Project. Anesthesiology. 2004 Jan;100(1):98-105. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Anesthesia - Pain Management Order this article from: ASA Closed Claims Project
    1. Frequency and payments of claims associated with chronic pain management by anesthesiologists increased in the 1990s. Brain damage and death were associated with epidural steroid injection only when opioids or local anesthetics were included. Anesthesiologists involved in home care of patients with implanted devices such as morphine pumps and epidural injections or patient-controlled analgesia should be aware of potential complications that may have severe outcomes.
  22. Domino KB, Bowdle TA, Posner KL, Spitellie PH, Lee LA, Cheney FW. Injuries and Liability Related to Central Vascular Catheters: A Closed Claims Analysis. Anesthesiology. 2004 Jun;100(6):1411-1418. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Cardiovascular System; Monitoring - Physiologic; Equipment Problems. Order this article from: ASA Closed Claims Project
    1. Claims for injuries related to central vascular catheters had a greater proportion of death than other claims in the Closed Claims database. The most common central vascular catheter complications causing patient injury were wire/catheter embolus, cardiac tamponade, carotid artery puncture/cannulation, hemothorax, and pneumothorax. Patient safety may be improved by pressure waveform monitoring, use of ultrasound guidance for difficult catheterization, and checking and acting on a chest radiograph after vascular catheter insertion.
  23. Lee LA, Posner KL, Domino KB, Caplan RA, Cheney FW. Injuries associated with regional anesthesia in the 1980s and 1990s: a closed claims analysis. Anesthesiology. 2004 Jul;101(1):143-152. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Anesthesia - Regional / MAC. Order this article from: ASA Closed Claims Project
    1. Almost half of the regional anesthesia claims in the Closed Claims database from the 1980s and 1990s were block related, but the majority of obstetric claims are associated with temporary or low severity injury. Neuraxial cardiac arrest accounts for one third of high-severity injuries for obstetric and nonobstetric procedures, whereas neuraxial hematomas associated with coagulopathy result predominately from nonobstetric claims. Eye blocks have emerged as a new source of permanent injury in the 1990s.
  24. Peterson GN, Domino KB, Caplan RA, Posner KL, Lee LA, Cheney FW. Management of the Difficult Airway: A Closed Claims Analysis. Anesthesiology. 2005 Jul;103(1):33-39. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Respiratory System
    1. Death or brain damage in claims from difficult airway management associated with induction of anesthesia but not other phases of anesthesia decreased in 1993-1999 compared with 1985-1992. Development of additional management strategies for difficult airways encountered during maintenance, emergence, or recovery from anesthesia may improve patient safety.
  25. Bhananker SM, Posner KL, Cheney FW, Caplan RA, Lee LA, Domino KB. Injury and Liability Associated with Monitored Anesthesia Care: A Closed Claims Analysis. Anesthesiology. 2006 Feb;104(2):228-234. [NLM PubMed Link] See also: Anesthesia - Regional / MAC. Order this article from: Journal Website
    1. Oversedation leading to respiratory depression was an important mechanism of patient injuries during MAC. Appropriate use of monitoring, vigilance, and early resuscitation could have prevented many of these injuries. Awareness and avoidance of the fire triad (oxidizer, fuel, and ignition source) is essential to prevent on-the-patient fires.
  26. Robbertze R, Posner KL, Domino KB. Closed claims review of anesthesia for procedures outside the operating room. Current Opinion in Anesthesiology. 2006 19:436-442. [NLM PubMed Link]. See also: Monitoring - Physiologic, Respiratory System. Order this article from: Journal Website
    1. Nonoperating-room anesthesia claims had a higher severity of injury and more substandard care than operating room claims. Inadequate oxygenation / ventilation was the most common mechanism of injury.
  27. Cheney FW, Posner KL, Lee LA, Caplan RA, Domino KB. Trends in Anesthesia-related Death and Brain Damage: A Closed Claims Analysis. Anesthesiology. 2006 Dec;105(6):1081-1086. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Respiratory System, Malpractice System, Monitoring - Physiologic. Order this article from: Journal Website
    1. The significant decrease in the proportion of claims for death or permanent brain damage from 1975 through 2000 seems to be unrelated to a marked increase in the proportion of claims where pulse oximetry and end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring were used. After the introduction and use of these monitors, there was a significant reduction in the proportion of respiratory and an increase in the proportion of cardiovascular damaging events responsible for death or permanent brain damage.
  28. Jimenez N, Posner KL, Cheney FW, Caplan RA, Lee LA, Domino KB. An update on pediatric anesthesia liability: a closed claims analysis. Anesth Analg. 2007 Jan;104(1):147-53. [NLM PubMed Link]. See also: Pediatrics
    1. Death and brain damage remained the dominant injuries in pediatric anesthesia malpractice claims in the 1990s. Cardiovascular events joined respiratory events as the major sources of liability.
  29. Lee LA, Posner KL, Cheney FW, Caplan RA, Domino KB: Complications associated with eye blocks and peripheral nerve blocks: an American Society of Anesthesiologists closed claims analysis. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2008 Sep-Oct;33(5):416-22. [NLM PubMed Link] See also: Anesthesia - Regional / MAC, Injury - Eye. Order this article from: Journal Website
    1. Anesthesiologists who provided both the eye block and sedation for eye surgery (n = 59) had more injuries associated with block placement, a higher proportion of claims with permanent injury, and a higher proportion of claims with plaintiff payment, compared with anesthesiologists who provided sedation only (n = 38). Peripheral nerve blocks (n = 159) were primarily associated with temporary injuries (56%). Local anesthetic toxicity was associated with 7 of 19 claims with death or brain damage. Performance of eye blocks by anesthesiologists significantly alters their liability profile, primarily related to permanent eye damage from block needle trauma. Though most peripheral nerve block claims are associated with temporary injuries, local anesthetic toxicity is a major cause of death or brain damage in these claims.
  30. Davies JM, Posner KL, Lee LA, Cheney FW, Domino KB. Liability associated with obstetric anesthesia: a closed claims analysis. Anesthesiology. 2009 Jan;110(1):131-9. [Abstract, NLM PubMed Link] See also: Obstetrics
    1. Comparison of obstetric anesthesia claims from 1990 or later with pre-1990 claims reported in Chadwick et al (1991) revealed a decrease in maternal death. While newborn death and brain damage also decreased, it remained a leading cause of obstetric anesthesia malpractice claims. Maternal nerve injury was more common in 1990 or later claims compared to earlier claims.

Newsletter Articles

  1. Cheney FW: Professional Liability Committee maps strategies to confront crisis. ASA Newsletter 49(1):6, 1985. [Full Text] See also: Project Overview
  2. Zeitlin GL: Recovery room mishaps in the ASA Closed Claims Study. ASA Newsletter 53(7):28-30, 1989. [Full Text] See also: Monitoring - Physiologic; Respiratory System
  3. Cheney FW: The ASA Closed Claims Study after the pulse oximeter: A preliminary look. ASA Newsletter 54(2):10-11, 1990. [Full Text] See also: Monitoring - Physiologic
  4. Caplan, RA: Is peer review biased? ASA Newsletter 55(6):5-7, 1991. See also: Peer Review
  5. Cheney FW: How much professional liability coverage is enough? Lessons from the Closed Claims Project. ASA Newsletter 55(6):14-15, 1991. See also: Malpractice System
  6. Cheney FW: ASA Closed Claims Project progress report: The effect of pulse oximetry and end-tidal CO2 monitoring on adverse respiratory events. ASA Newsletter 56(6):6-10, 1992. See also: Monitoring - Physiologic; Respiratory System
  7. Cheney FW: ASA Closed Claims Project - Where have we been and where are we going? ASA Newsletter 57(6):8-11, 1993. See also: Project Overview
  8. Chadwick HS: Obstetric anesthesia closed claims update. ASA Newsletter 57(6):12-18, 1993. See also: Obstetrics
  9. Cheney FW: Committee on Professional Liability - overview. ASA Newsletter 58(6):7-10, 1994. [Full Text] See also: Project Overview
  10. Cheney FW: Committee on Professional Liability: Reflections on 11 years as Chair. ASA Newsletter 59(6):6-8, 1995. [Full Text] See also: Project Overview
  11. Caplan RA, Posner KL: Informed consent in anesthesia liability: Evidence from the Closed Claims Project. ASA Newsletter 59(6):9-12, 1995. [Full Text] See also: Quality of Care
  12. Morray JP: Pediatric Perioperative Cardiac Arrest Registry. ASA Newsletter 59(6):13, 1995. [Full Text] See also: Pediatrics; Cardiovascular System
  13. Caplan RA: Professional liability: What's ahead? ASA Newsletter 60(6):6-9, 1996. [Full text] See also: Project Overview
  14. Cheney FW: The changing pattern of anesthesia-related adverse events. ASA Newsletter 60(6):10-13, 1996. [Full Text] See also: Quality of Care
  15. Domino KB: Closed malpractice claims for awareness during anesthesia. ASA Newsletter 60(6):14-17, 1996. [Full Text] See also: Anesthesia - General; Injury - Awareness
  16. Bowdle TA: Central line complications from the ASA Closed Claims Project. ASA Newsletter 60(6):22-25, 1996. [Full Text] See also: Cardiovascular System; Monitoring - Physiologic; Equipment Problems
  17. Morray JP: Pediatric perioperative cardiac arrest registry: An update. ASA Newsletter 60(6):26-28, 1996. [Full Text] See also: Pediatrics; Cardiovascular System
  18. Caplan RA, Posner KL: The expert witness: Insights from the Closed Claims Project. ASA Newsletter 61(6):9-10, 1997. [Full Text] See also: Peer Review; Malpractice System
  19. Domino KB: Trends in anesthesia litigation in the 1990's: Monitored anesthesia care claims. ASA Newsletter 61(6):15-17, 1997. [Full Text] See also: Malpractice System; Monitoring - Physiologic
  20. Cheney FW: Anesthesia patient safety and professional liability continue to improve. ASA Newsletter 61(6):18-20, 1997. [Full Text] See also: Quality of Care; Malpractice System
  21. Caplan RA: Liability arising from anesthesia gas delivery equipment. ASA Newsletter 62(6):7-9, 1998. [Full Text] See also: Anesthesia - General; Equipment Problems
  22. Cheney FW: Perioperative Ulnar Nerve Injury - A continuing medical and liability problem. ASA Newsletter 62(6):10-11, 1998. [Full Text] See also: Injury - Nerve
  23. Domino KB: Closed malpractice claims for airway trauma during anesthesia. ASA Newsletter 62(6):10-11, 1998. [Full Text] See also: Respiratory System
  24. Campos J: Web site for Closed Claims Project provides access and insight. ASA Newsletter 62(6):10-11, 1998. [Full Text] See also: Project Overview
  25. Geiduschek JM: Registry offers insight on preventing cardiac arrests in children. ASA Newsletter 62(6):16-18, 1998. [Full Text] See also: Pediatrics
  26. Caplan RA: The Closed Claims Project: Looking Back, Looking Forward. ASA Newsletter 63(6):7-9, 1999. [Full Text] See also: Project Overview
  27. Cooper, P: Behind the Scenes at the ASA Closed Claims Project. ASA Newsletter 63(6):10-11, 1999. [Full Text] See also: Project Overview
  28. Chadwick, HS: Obstetric Anesthesia Closed Claims Update II. ASA Newsletter 63(6):12-15, 1999. [Full Text] See also: Obstetrics
  29. Kalauokalani, D: Malpractice Claims for Nonoperative Pain Managment: A Growing Pain for Anesthesiologists?. ASA Newsletter 63(6):16-18, 1999. [Full Text] See also: Anesthesia - Pain Management
  30. Cheney, FW: How Much Professional Liability Coverage Is Enough? Lessons From the ASA Closed Claims Project . ASA Newsletter 63(6):19, 21, 1999. [Full Text] See also: Malpractice System.
  31. Campos, J: Distributing Anesthesia Information Via the Web: Lessons Learned by the Closed Claims Project. ASA Newsletter 63(6):20-21, 1999. [Full Text] See also: Project Overview
  32. Caplan, RA: Informed Consent: Patterns of Liability from the ASA Closed Claims Project. ASA Newsletter 64(6):7-9, 2000. [Full text; PDF Version] See also: Quality of Care
  33. Cheney, FW: Aspiration: A Liability Hazard for the Anesthesiologist? ASA Newsletter 64(6):5-6 & 26, 2000. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also Respiratory System
  34. Miller, CG: Management of the Difficult Intubation in Closed Malpractice Claims. ASA Newsletter 64(6):13-16 & 19, 2000. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also Respiratory System
  35. Posner, KL: Liability Profile of Ambulatory Anesthesia. ASA Newsletter 64(6):10-12, 2000. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Quality of Care
  36. Lee, LA: Postoperative visual loss data gathered and analyzed. ASA Newsletter 64(9): 25-27, 2000.[Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Injury - Eye
  37. Cheney, FW: High-Severity Injuries Associated with Regional Anesthesia in the 1990s. ASA Newsletter 65(6): 6-8, 2001. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Anesthesia - Regional / MAC
  38. Domino, KB: Office-Based Anesthesia: Lessons Learned from the Closed Claims Project. ASA Newsletter 65(6): 9-11, 15, 2001. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Anesthesia - Regional / MAC
  39. Posner KL: Closed Claims Project Shows Safety Evolution. APSF Newsletter 16(2):1-3, 2001. [Full Text] See also: Project Overview
  40. Fitzgibbon, DR: Liability Arising From Anesthesiology-Based Pain Management in the Nonoperative Setting. ASA Newsletter 65(6): 12-15, 2001. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Anesthesia - Pain Management
  41. Domino, KB: Another Malpractice Insurance Crisis Brewing for Anesthesiologists? ASA Newsletter 66(6): 5, 2002. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Malpractice System
  42. Cheney, FW: Changing Trends in Anesthesia-Related Death and Permanent Brain Damage ASA Newsletter 66(6): 6-8, 2002. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Respiratory System, Malpractice System, Monitoring - Physiologic
  43. Sharar, SR: Does Anesthetic Care for Trauma Present Increased Risk for Patient Injury and Professional Liability? A Closed Claims Analysis. ASA Newsletter 66(6): 9-10 & 21, 2002. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Injury- Trauma
  44. Bowdle, TA: Central Line Complications From the ASA Closed Claims Project: An Update. ASA Newsletter 66(6): 11-12 & 25, 2002. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Cardiovascular System; Monitoring - Physiologic; Equipment Problems
  45. Domino, KB: Increasing Costs of Professional Liability Insurance. ASA Newsletter 67(6): 6, 2003. [Full Text; PDF Version]. Published for the Committee on Professional Liability. See also: Malpractice System
  46. Lee, LA: ASA Postoperative Visual Loss Registry: Preliminary Analysis of Factors Associated With Spine Operations ASA Newsletter 67(6): 7-8, 2003. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Injury - Eye
  47. Campos, JS: Closed Claims Project: Catch Us on the Web. ASA Newsletter 67(6): 9 & 20, 2003. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Project Overview
  48. Bowdle, TA: Drug Administration Errors From the ASA Closed Claims Project. ASA Newsletter 67(6): 11-13, 2003. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Medication Errors
  49. Domino KB: Availability and Cost of Professional Liability Insurance. ASA Newsletter, 68(6): 5-6, 2004. [Full Text; PDF Version]. Published for the Committee on Professional Liability. See also: Malpractice System
  50. Posner KL: Data Reveal Trends in Anesthesia Malpractice Payments. ASA Newsletter 68(6): 7-8 & 14, 2004. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Malpractice System
  51. Kressin KA: Burn Injury in the Operating Room: A Closed Claims Analysis. ASA Newsletter 68(6): 9-11, 2004. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Injury - Burns
  52. Davies JM: Obstetric Anesthesia Closed Claims - Trends Over Last Three Decades. ASA Newsletter 68(6): 12-14, 2004. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Obstetrics
  53. Davies JM: Closed Claims Project Focuses on 3 Decades of Obstetric Complications. APSF Newsletter 19(4): 49 & 57. [Article, Full APSF Newsletter PDF] See also: Obstetrics
  54. Jimenez N: Trends in Pediatric Anesthesia Malpractice Claims Over the Last Three Decades. ASA Newsletter 69(6): 8-9, 12, 2005. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Pediatrics
  55. Kent CD: Liability Associated With Awareness During Anesthesia. ASA Newsletter 70(6): 8-10, 2006. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Anesthesia - General; Awareness
  56. Liau DW : Injuries and Liability Related to Peripheral Catheters: A Closed Claims Analysis. ASA Newsletter 70(6): 11-13 & 16, 2006. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Equipment Problems
  57. Davies JM : Anesthesia Malpractice Claims for Newborn Brain Injury in the 1990s. ASA Newsletter 70(6): 14-16, 2006. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Obstetrics   
  58. Bird M: Acute Pain Management: A New Area of Liability for Anesthesiologist. ASA Newsletter 71(8), 2007. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Anesthesia - Pain Management  
  59. Liau DW : Trends in Chronic Pain Management Malpractice Claims. ASA Newsletter 71(8), 2007. [Full Text; PDF Version] See also: Anesthesia - Pain Management

Conference Presentations and ASA Abstracts

  1. Tsai YK, Sharar SR, Posner KL, Domino KB, Cooper PM, Cheney FW: Does Anesthetic Care For Trauma Present Increased Risk For Patient Injury And Professional Liability?: A Closed Claims Analysis. University of Washington Dept. of Anesthesiology, Seattle, WA. Unpublished abstract presented at the 14th Annual Trauma Anesthesia and Critical Care Symposium in San Diego, CA, USA, May 2001. [Full Text] See also: Injury- Trauma
  2. Fitzgibbon DR, Posner KL, Lee LA, Domino KB, Cheney FW: ASA Closed Claims Project: Pain Management in the Non-Surgical Setting 1970-1998. Anesthesiology, 95: A957, 2001. [Full Text] See also: Anesthesia - Pain Management
  3. Spitellie PH, Bowdle TA, Posner KL, Cheney FW, Domino KB: Injuries from Central Lines: A Closed Claims Analysis. Anesthesiology, 96: A1124, 2002. [Full Text] See also: Equipment Problems; Cardiovascular System; Monitoring - Physiologic
  4. Lee LA, Posner KL, Caplan RA, Domino KB, Cheney FW, ASA Closed Claims Project: An Analysis of Claims Associated with Regional Anesthesia in the Operative Setting 1980-1999. Anesthesiology 96: A1126, 2002. [Full Text] See also: Anesthesia - Regional / MAC
  5. Bhananker SM, Posner KL, Domino KB, Lee LA, Cheney FW: Liability Associated with Monitored Anesthesia Care: ASA Closed Claims Project. Anesthesiology, 99: A1356, 2003. [Full Text] See also: Anesthesia - Regional / MAC
  6. Lee LA, Posner KL, Cheney FW, Domino KB: ASA Closed Claims Project: An Analysis of Claims Associated with Neurosurgical Anesthesia. Anesthesiology, 99: A362, 2003. [Full Text] See also: Injury - Nerve
  7. Peterson GN, Posner KL, Domino KB, Lee LA, Cheney FW: Management of the Difficult Airway in Closed Malpractice Claims. Anesthesiology, 99: A1252, 2003. [Full Text] See also: Respiratory System
  8. Sharar SR, Tsai YK, Posner KL, Domino KB, Cheney FW: Do Liability and Patient Injuries for Anesthetic Care of Acute Trauma Differ from Those of Non-Trauma Care?: A Closed Claims Analysis. Anesthesiology, 99: A1362, 2003. [Full Abstract Text] See also: Injury- Trauma
  9. Davies JM, Ross BK, Posner KL, Domino KB: Trends in Obstetric Anesthesia Malpractice Claims over the Last Three Decades. Anesthesiology, 101: A-1231, 2004. [Full Text] See also: Obstetrics
  10. Kressin KA, Posner KL, Lee LA, Cheney FW, Domino KB: Burn Injury in the OR: A Closed Claims Analysis.Anesthesiology, 101: A-1282, 2004. [Full Text] See also: Injury - Burns
  11. Posner KL, Domino KB, Polissar NJ, Conrad DA, Cheney FW: Trends in Anesthesia Malpractice Lawsuit Payments. Anesthesiology, 101: A-1405, 2004. [Full Text] See also: Malpractice System
  12. Jimenez N, Posner KL, Domino KB, Cheney FW: Trends in Pediatric Anesthesia Malpractice Claims over Three Decades.Anesthesiology 103: A1309, 2005. [Full Text] See also: Pediatrics
  13. Davies JM, Posner KL, Cheney FW, Domino KB: Anesthesia Malpractice Claims for Newborn Brain Injury in the 1990s. Anesthesiology 105: A7, 2006. [Full Text] See also: Pediatrics, Obstetrics
  14. Posner KL, Cheney FW, Domino KB: Anesthesia vs. Neurosurgery Malpractice Liability. Anesthesiology 105: A144, 2006. [Full Text] See also: Malpractice System
  15. Liau DW, Kooner PK, Posner KL, Cheney FW, Domino KB: Injuries and Liability Related to Peripheral Catheters: A Closed Claims Analysis. Anesthesiology 105: A945, 2006. [Full Text] See also: Equipment Problems
  16. Kent CD, Posner KL, Cheney FW, Lee LA, Domino KB: Update on Closed Claims for Awareness during General Anesthesia. Anesthesiology 105: A1548, 2006. [Full Text] See also: Anesthesia - General, Injury - Awareness
  17. Bird M, Caplan RA, Lee LA, Stephens LS, Domino KB: Liability Associated with Acute Pain Management. Anesthesiology 106: A1743, 2007. [Full Text] See also: Anesthesia - Pain Management
  18. Liau DW, Fitzgibbon DR, Posner KL, Stephens LS, Domino KB: Trends in Chronic Pain Management Malpractice Claims. Anesthesiology 106: A1892, 2007. [Full Text] See also: Anesthesia - Pain Management
  19. Lee LA, Fligner CL, Stephens L, Cheney FW, Domino KB: Role of Autopsy in the ASA Closed Claims Project. Anesthesiology 109: A372, 2008. [Full Text] See also: Malpractice System
  20. Sandnes DL, Stephens LS, Posner KL, Domino KB: Liability Associated with Medication Errors in Anesthesia: Closed Claims Analysis. Anesthesiology 109: A770, 2008. [Full Text] See also: Medication Errors