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IV Injuries Anesthesia Accidents

Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) refers to a range of sedation from light to deep sleep and is typically administered by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) under the oversight of the operating physician, not an anesthesiologist. It is growing in popularity in endoscopic surgeries (endoscopy), radiology tests and other minimally invasive procedures performed in ambulatory surgical centers and doctor’s offices across the country. The drug of choice when performing MAC with sedation is propofol (brand name, “Diprivan”).

What Are the Risks of Using Propofol?

Propofol is typically administered via a peripheral intravenous (IV) line and can produce varying depths of sedation when used in carefully titrated dosages. It also offers certain advantages over general anesthesia, including:

  • Quicker recovery to baseline activities versus other sedatives
  • Fewer side effects than general anesthesia
  • Rapid onset and shorter waking and recovery times
  • Reduces the need for opioids, resulting in less nausea and vomiting

While propofol has many benefits, it is not without significant risks. The response to Propofol can be unpredictable, and there is no antidote to reverse its effect. Some patients quickly cross over from light sedation to deep sleep without warning, resulting in full respiratory arrest in a matter of seconds. For this reason, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and the American Society of Anesthesiologists issued the following joint statement in April 2004 regarding propofol administration:

“Because sedation is a continuum, it is not always possible to predict how an individual patient will respond. Due to the potential for rapid, profound changes in sedative/anesthetic department and the lack of antagonistic medications (antidotes), agents such as propofol require special attention.

Whenever propofol is used for sedation/anesthesia, it should be administered only by persons trained in the administration of general anesthesia who are not simultaneously involved in the surgical or diagnostic procedures. This restriction is concordant with specific language in the propofol package insert, and failure to follow these recommendations could put patients at risk of significant injury or death.”

Issues With Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)

Despite these clear warnings, MAC with sedation continues to be administered by providers and facilities that are ill-prepared to respond to foreseeable emergencies. If you or someone you know has suffered a serious injury because of a preventable anesthesia accident or mistake, you should contact an attorney at Burnside Law Firm LLP to learn more about your legal rights.

First and foremost, monitored anesthesia care (MAC) should only be administered by healthcare providers who are experts in general anesthesia, resuscitation and the use of emergency equipment. Secondly, it is imperative that anesthesia providers diligently monitor ventilation, oxygenation, cardiovascular status and neuromuscular function throughout the procedure. Continuous clinical observation and vigilance are the basis of safe anesthesia care.

When emergency situations arise—and they certainly will—anesthesia providers must be prepared to respond with proper airway management and administering fluids and emergency drugs. They must also be prepared to provide Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols when necessary. Unfortunately, anesthesia accidents occur too often because anesthesia providers fail to exercise the degree of skill and care required under the circumstances. Examples include:

  • Failure to timely react to decreasing oxygen saturation levels
  • Failure to properly monitor a patient’s vital signs (pulse, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation)
  • Failure to properly administer oxygen during the procedure
  • Administering too much anesthesia medication, such as propofol
  • Administering the wrong medication
  • Failing to react to physiological signs of distress
  • Failure to set proper threshold alarms on monitoring devices
  • Failure to have the proper equipment ready in case of emergency
  • Failure to follow BLS and ACLS protocols
  • Failure to deliver emergency medications in a timely fashion or correct dose
  • Failure to have an adequate number of qualified personnel immediately available to assist in the event of an emergency

Consequences of Anesthesia Mistakes

When mistakes occur during the administration of anesthesia, the consequences can be devastating and include:

  • Anoxic brain injury
  • Stroke
  • Paralysis
  • Brain damage
  • Heart attack or failure
  • Coma
  • Death

Many injuries can be prevented altogether if medical providers adhere to the standard of care required when administering MAC with sedation or other anesthesia. If you or a loved one has experienced an injury on account of an anesthesia error committed by a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), anesthesiologist, or other medical provider, you should contact an attorney at Burnside Law Firm LLP for a free initial consultation to learn more about your legal rights. We have successfully represented people injured by anesthesia errors and we have the resources necessary to pursue meritorious claims.

To help us better understand the issues involved in your medical malpractice claim, please complete our intake form.

If you suspect medical negligence, do not hesitate to contact our Athens or Augusta, Georgia, lawyer. We offer experienced, strategic advocacy in cases involving IV infiltration and IV injury. Call (706) 432-8320 or contact us by e-mail for an initial consultation.

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Augusta

2919 Professional Pkwy

Augusta, GA, 30907

Phone: (706) 432-8320

Athens

325 North Milledge Avenue

Athens, GA, 30601

Phone: (706) 227-4264

We have recovered tens of millions in settlements and verdicts

The attorneys at Burnside Law Firm LLP have over 30 years of collective experience handling personal injury claims. Over that time, we have helped hundreds of injured people recover the compensation they deserve and need in order to begin putting their lives back together. This list is just a sample of the recoveries we have obtained for some of our clients here and during our time at our former firm, Burnside Wall LLP. Obviously, success in obtaining significant judgments and settlements for other clients is no guarantee of success in your case. Each case must be evaluated and handled based on the individual merits of that particular case. To discuss the facts of your case and learn more about your legal rights, contact one of the personal injury attorneys at Burnside Law Firm LLP for a free initial consultation.

Commercial Vehicle/Death

$6,000,000

Auto Accident/Death

$5,000,000

Workplace Accident/Leg Injury

$1,800,000

Medical Malpractice/Surgery Complication

$1,000,000

Medical Malpractice/IV Procedure Error

$1,000,000

Premises/Fall

$700,000

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Meet The Team

Thomas R. Burnside III Personal Injury Attorney

Thomas R Burnside III

Thomas R. Burnside III is a personal injury lawyer who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have suffered injury as a result of automobile collisions, trucking accidents, medical malpractice, work related accidents or other causes. With over 20 years of experience in personal injury law at both the trial and appellate court levels, Attorney Burnside has represented people with brain and head trauma...

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Garon Muller Personal Injury Attorney

Garon Muller

Garon Muller is a trial lawyer who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have been seriously injured or damaged through the negligence or recklessness of others, including automobile collisions, workplace injuries, premises injuries, or defective products. Before beginning his practice in the representation of injured individuals, Mr. Muller served the community as an Assistant District Attorney...

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Robert MacGregor

Robert MacGregor

Robert MacGregor is an experienced trial attorney licensed to practice law in Georgia and South Carolina. At the Burnside Law Firm, Robert devotes his practice to protecting the rights of individuals who have been injured because of someone else’s carelessness, negligence, or recklessness and represents those who have been injured in automobile collisions or tractor-trailer accidents; because of a slip and fall; and in other general negligence actions.

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Ashton Revollo

Ashton is a trial lawyer in Augusta, GA who focuses his law practice on the representation of individuals who have suffered serious injuries or damages due to the negligent or reckless conduct of others, including automobile wrecks, job-related accidents, unsafe premises, or defective
products. Before beginning his practice, Ashton obtained his J.D., at Emory University School of Law, where he gained valuable courtroom experience as an intern assisting the District Attorney for DeKalb
County. After his time at Emory, Ashton received experience as a trial attorney at a respected personal injury firm in Atlanta before moving to Augusta. Over the course of his career, Ashton has assisted deserving clients in recovering millions of dollars in injury cases throughout Georgia.

Meet Ashton Revollo

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After my car accident they helped me every step of the way! They were up front and answered any questions I had! They negotiated the insurance and got a higher settlement than was offered! I would definitely use them again!

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In November 2017, I was in a car accident and I decided to seek out legal assistance. I chose to go with Burnside Law Firm, LLP because of their five star rating. My inital consultation was with attorney, Mr. Garon Muller. I knew immediately that I wanted Mr. Muller to take my case. His professionalism and expertise in personal injury made my decision easy. Mr. Muller maintained his professionalism throughout my case. He kept me updated on a regular basis via telephone or email. He was always available to me when I call. I did not have to wait 24 hours to get a call back from him. I would greatly recommend Mr. Muller and the Burnside Law Firm, LLP.

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Burnside Law Firm is who you want to represent you. Mr. Muller came to our house for a free consultation without hesitation. He guided us and overcame every obstacle we encountered. He secured the maximum insurance limits for us and we couldn't be more happy. If you are injured, DO NOT attempt to recoup compensation without the expertise of a trusted, skilled and able law firm to be your voice. THANK YOU MR. MULLER!!!

Alexander Hughes

Garon Muller with Burnside Law Firm makes client satisfaction his priority. Mr. Muller made sure that I had a lucid understanding during every discussion. He never made a decision without my input and made me feel like we were partners. Garon Muller was very professional and push for the maximum dollar amount from the insurance company. Me and my family considered ourselves blessed to have been represented by Garon Muller with Burnside Law Firm. We highly recommend Garon Muller and Burnside Law Firm! Burnside Law Firm staff are exceptional and exceeded our expectations.

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I have known the Burnside family for many years. Recently Thomas was most helpful in getting my check following an auto collision. I highly recommend their firm.

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I definitely felt comfortable in there hands really good people.

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Very very good law firm. Went above and beyond to make things right. Highly reccomend.

Barbara Huskinson

Burnside Law did what they said they would do. Garon Muller was great in communicating and looked out for my best interest in getting what was fair in my settlement. I would recommend Burnside to anyone.

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    Augusta

    2919 Professional Pkwy

    Augusta, GA, 30907

    Phone: (706) 432-8320

    Athens

    325 North Milledge Avenue

    Athens, GA, 30601

    Phone: (706) 227-4264