Insurer: Monitoring technology may help avoid claims
The Physician’s Insurance Company (PIC) of Wisconsin has alerted its members that active electrode monitoring technology may reduce risks in laparoscopic surgery, thereby reducing malpractice claims.
Malpractice carriers in Arizona and Colorado have recommended Encision’s AEM Laparoscopic Instruments. The device helps to eliminate unintended electrosurgical burns during minimally invasive surgery, according to Jan Haedt, risk management consultant to PIC Wisconsin.
"Various studies have shown that the risks of laparoscopic surgery have proven to be fertile ground for plaintiff attorneys," she says. "Knowing these risks and the factors contributing to potential liability, what can health care organizations do to help mitigate these risks? They can begin by utilizing appropriate safety equipment to prevent thermal injuries from stray energy released during the procedure."
Rise in malpractice claims linked to procedure
Haedt says that while laparoscopic techniques have led to important advances in minimally invasive surgery, they also have been brought with them an increase in malpractice claims related to thermal injuries.
American Physicians Insurance, Mutual Insurance Co. of Arizona, and Colorado Physician’s Insurance Co. also have recommended their surgeons consider the use of active electrode monitoring technology to improve patient safety in laparoscopic surgery. More recently, the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) recognized active electrode monitoring technology as an "AORN Recommended Practice" for minimally invasive surgery.
Active electrode monitoring technology helps to minimize stray electrosurgical burns during laparoscopic surgery by preventing the stray energy from contacting tissue.
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