Clinical Research Division
Advancing Outpatient Care Through Clinical Research
Capital Anesthesia Partners’ Clinical Research Division is dedicated to improving outcomes in anesthesia and gastroenterology while reducing procedural risk in the outpatient endoscopy setting. To date, we have completed nine research studies and published select findings that directly inform and enhance clinical practice.
A Truly Integrated Research Team
Most anesthesia practices limit quality initiatives to internal reviews. Our approach goes further. We bring together every member of the care team to drive meaningful improvement.
Our research and quality programs include:
- Physician anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists
- Surgeons and gastroenterologists
- Registered nurses and clinical technicians
- Ambulatory surgery center administrators and directors
- Statisticians and study design experts
This collaborative model ensures that challenges are identified early, addressed comprehensively, and resolved efficiently—resulting in greater consistency, safety, and control across the anesthesia program.
Research That Impacts Real-World Care
Our studies are designed with one goal: to improve patient care and operational performance in real-world settings. We focus not only on anesthesia-related variables, but also on factors that matter to proceduralists and facility partners.
Key areas of focus include:
- Identifying and reducing airway-related risks during endoscopic procedures
- Enhancing safety protocols in outpatient environments
- Improving coordination between anesthesia teams and procedural staff
Our findings have led to meaningful changes in clinical protocols—both within our own practice and across partner facilities nationwide.
Learn More
We welcome the opportunity to share more about our research initiatives and how they can support your facility’s clinical and operational goals. Contact us to learn more.
Three men standing in front of a large scientific poster at a conference.
Published Research
For the second time, Capital Anesthesia Partners was selected to present clinical research at the American College of Gastroenterology’s annual conference in Phoenix—highlighting our continued commitment to advancing outpatient care through evidence-based innovation.
Collaborative Research Leadership
Our poster was led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steven Saltzman, in collaboration with Dr. Aamir Ali and Dr. Dominique Howard of Capital Digestive Care, along with Justin Kweit, BSc. Together, the team examined how to safely reduce intravenous (IV) fluid use during gastrointestinal procedures.
This study was initiated in response to the national saline shortage following Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Faced with limited supply, our ambulatory surgery centers implemented a more targeted IV fluid protocol—creating an opportunity to evaluate its safety and effectiveness at scale.
Key Findings
Over a five-month study period:
- Nearly 5,000 procedures were analyzed
- More than 50% of patients qualified for the restricted IV fluid protocol
- Only 3.7% of those patients experienced hypotension
- Just 1.25% required rescue IV fluids
- No serious complications were reported
Advancing Safer, Smarter Care
These findings demonstrate that a more conservative, data-driven approach to IV fluid management can maintain patient safety while improving resource utilization. The results are already helping to inform clinical protocols across our partner facilities.
Capital Anesthesia Partners remains committed to leading research that enhances patient outcomes, supports our clinical partners, and strengthens the delivery of outpatient care.
Published Research
Capital Anesthesia Partners was selected to present clinical research at the American College of Gastroenterology’s annual conference in San Antonio, further demonstrating our commitment to advancing patient safety in the outpatient setting.
Research Team
The study was led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Steven Saltzman, in collaboration with Dr. Aamir Ali and Dr. Michael Weinstein (now retired) of Capital Digestive Care. Together, the team investigated factors contributing to increased respiratory risk during certain endoscopic procedures.
Key Findings
Our research identified meaningful risk differentials associated with procedural positioning and case type:
- Patients repositioned to a supine (on their back) position at any point during an endoscopic procedure were 4.3 times more likely to experience an airway event
- “Double procedures”—when a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy are performed during the same session—were more than twice as likely to result in an airway event compared to either procedure performed independently
Driving Safer Clinical Protocols
These findings have helped inform procedural planning and anesthesia protocols across our practice and partner facilities. By identifying and mitigating risk factors in real time, we continue to enhance patient safety and support better outcomes in outpatient endoscopy.