Expert Explains Why Propofol Was the Wrong -- and Possibly Fatal -- Drug for Michael Jackson

American Society of Anesthesiologists' response typical, timid, and tepid, says Dr. Barry Friedberg CORONA DEL MAR, Calif., July 7
CORONA DEL MAR, Calif., July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Propofol, the chemical name for Diprivan, is formulated for ONLY intravenous use. It is used for general anesthesia or sedation in operating rooms, GI suites, and intensive care units.

Propofol is intended only for use under medical supervision in a medical facility with full heart and breathing monitoring. NEVER for 'at home' use.

Friedberg explains Propofol can kill people just as quickly as it can put them to sleep. Propofol can tell the brain to stop breathing.

According to Friedberg, The American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) response to Jackson's death was typical.

Like the white color of propofol, the ASA July 6th statement/press release continues to be timid by 'white-washing' the probability that deaths like Jackson's would likely be avoided by routine brain monitoring. Dr. Friedberg and other early technology adopters have provided brain monitoring for patients since 1997.

Many patients who come for cosmetic (and other) surgery do not tell their anesthesiologist about ALL the medications or drugs they have been taking.

Lack of this information increases the chances of being overdosed if anesthesia is given without a brain monitor.

"Big Pharma drug profits provide huge sponsorship money to the ASA. Profits decrease if drug sales decrease -- the likely result of the lack of widespread use of brain monitors. How, then, can the ASA claim to represent the patients' best interest by avoiding the risks of routine over medication?" asks Dr. Friedberg. "That's like asking the fox to guard the hen house."

The ASA was also tepid by avoiding mention of propofol abuse within the anesthesia profession, says Dr. Friedberg.

Barry Friedberg, MD, is a practicing, board certified anesthesiologist, author of the textbook, 'Anesthesia in Cosmetic Surgery,' a Congressional award recipient, and an Associate Professor of Anesthesia at the University of California, Irvine.

More information at: www.CosmeticSurgeryAnesthesia.com


SOURCE Barry L. Friedberg