Information for Patients About Venezuelan Maternal Lineage and Anesthesia
Why We Ask About Venezuelan Maternal Lineage
A rare inherited gene change has been identified in some families with Venezuelan lineage on the mother’s side of the family. This gene change can affect how the body responds to certain anesthesia medications.
To help keep patients safe, we ask all patients about Venezuelan maternal lineage as part of routine care planning.
We Ask Everyone
You may be asked this question even if you do not currently have a surgery, procedure, or imaging study planned that would involve anesthesia.
Collecting this information ahead of time helps ensure your care team has the information they need if anesthesia is ever needed in the future. Most patients who answer these questions will still be able to move forward with care as planned.
Your Privacy Matters
We understand that questions about family background can feel personal. Your answers are kept private and are used only to support your medical care and anesthesia planning.
If You May Be at Risk
If your answers suggest you could be at risk, a member of the anesthesia team may contact you by phone or telehealth to:
- Ask additional questions about your family history
- Review any past experiences with anesthesia
- Decide whether any additional evaluation or testing is needed
- In many cases, anesthesia can still be given safely by adjusting the anesthesia plan or avoiding certain medications.
If You Are Unsure of Your Family History
That is okay. If you do not know your family history, your care team may ask a few more questions or arrange an additional review out of caution.
If You Have Had Anesthesia Before
Patients who have done well with anesthesia in the past often continue to do well in the future. However, your care team may still ask additional questions to help plan the safest possible care.
Could My Care Plan Change?
Sometimes. In some cases, your care team may recommend targeted genetic testing before a procedure. If this is needed, they will explain the process, answer your questions, and review consent with you.
Questions?
Please speak with your care team if you have any concerns or questions. Our goal is to keep your care as safe, informed, and smooth as possible.