The parents of an 18-year-old suburban Boca Raton cheerleader who died last year during breast-augmentation surgery called Wednesday for a ban on the use of general anesthesia at outpatient surgical centers.

Such centers are not equipped to deal with emergencies such as the one that killed their daughter, Stephanie, both Joanne and Thomas Kuleba said during a news conference.

The couple met with reporters three days after they filed suit, claiming Dr. Steven Schuster and other doctors failed to properly treat the West Boca High School senior. She suffered cardiac arrest as a result of a severe reaction to anesthesia during outpatient surgery in March 2008. She died a day later.

Had there been sufficient amounts of the drug dantrolene at Schuster's clinic, it is likely that Stephanie would be alive today, her mother said.

``Had the proper care been taken by medical professionals involved in her surgery, she could be here today and I would not be here before you,'' she said, her voice shaking with emotion.

The couple is also trying to promote awareness of malignant hyperthermia, the medical term for the severe reaction their daughter had to anesthesia. They hope Stephanie's death will spur doctors and others to make sure they have the drug on hand for the rare condition, which occurs only after a person has been given anesthesia.

Thomas Kuleba said most people are unaware of the risks posed by anesthesia and do not meet their anesthesiologists until shortly before they are wheeled into the operating room.

``Know and research your anesthesiologist as much as you would your surgeon,'' he advised.

The Kulebas are seeking an unspecified amount in damages from Schuster and other doctors, including anesthesiologist Dr. Peter Warheit.

Schuster's office said he was unable to comment.

In the past, his attorney, Keith Puya, has said: ``Dr. Schuster, from what I can tell, responded timely and appropriately and they did everything that they could to help this young lady. Protocol was followed, and the things that needed to be done for her were implemented.''

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