Intravenous Sedation

Abstract

Intravenous conscious sedation is an effective technique for managing anxious or phobic patients. Various drugs have been employed either singly or in combination. The principles of managing IV sedation safely are common to all techniques and agents.Intravenous conscious sedation is achieved by the titration of appropriate sedative drugs in a clinically monitored environment. Patients undergoing conscious sedation are sedated (experiencing drowsiness and reduced anxiety), aware of their surroundings (including the fact that treatment is taking place) and responsive to speech (a level of sedation where protective airway reflexes are preserved). Post-procedural amnesia is common.The remit of IV conscious sedation includes: patient selection and workup; establishing IV access and sedation; monitoring and managing sedation during the procedure; and recovery from sedation including the subsequent twenty four hours. Conscious sedation is safe if performed by an appropriately trained practitioner. Inappropriate management can result in patient harm including injury or death.