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Ocular Anesthesia-Related Closed Claims from Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company 2008-2018.
Michael Morley1, Anne M Menke2, Karen C Nanji3
1Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
Ophthalmology
|February 11, 2020
Summary
Anesthesia-related claims in ophthalmic surgery are rare but can lead to severe injuries like globe perforation and death. Reviewing these cases helps improve patient safety during anesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Anesthesiology
- Medical Malpractice
Background:
- Anesthesia is crucial for ophthalmic surgery.
- Understanding anesthesia-related complications is vital for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze anesthesia-related closed claims in ophthalmology.
- Identify contributing factors and injury types.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Company (OMIC) data from 2008-2018.
- Included professional liability claims against ophthalmologists and facilities.
Main Results:
- Sixty-three claims involved injuries such as globe perforation (17), death (13), and retrobulbar hemorrhage (7).
- Retrobulbar and peribulbar anesthesia were most common (16 each).
- Comorbidities and anticoagulants were noted factors; sedation contributed to deaths.
Conclusions:
- Anesthesia-related claims are infrequent but severe injuries can occur.
- Analysis of closed claims informs strategies to enhance patient safety in ophthalmic anesthesia.