Figure 24-8 Relationship between anesthesia provider and anesthesia-related deaths in North Carolina. The number of cases performed by each group was estimated from a survey of hospitals. The certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and the anesthesiologist care team were associated with the best outcomes, whereas the surgeon or dentist practicing anesthesia was associated with the worst. (From Bechtoldt AA: Committee on anesthesia study. Anesthetic-related deaths: 1969–1976. N C Med J 42:253, 1981.)