Pediatric sedation in vascular malformations interventions by a non-anesthesiologist—feasibility and safety

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Sedation for pediatric patients undergoing interventional procedures in radiology is in increasing demand. Once only anesthesiology-performed, there is a demand for sedation services to perform sedations for these procedures. However, the safety of performing long sedations by non-anesthesiologists in interventional radiology has not been reported. This pilot study aimed at describing a single center's experience and outcome with sedation. METHODS: This study reviews the sedations performed at a single center by a pediatric emergency physician who performed the sedation. The results regarding safety and satisfaction were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 52 sedations were documented. Four cases of significant adverse events and three adverse events occurred. In all cases, the procedures were completed. None of the patients required intubation or admission following the sedation. There was high satisfaction by the interventional radiologists. CONCLUSION: This small pilot study shows that sedations for procedures in interventional radiology can be performed safely and successfully by dedicated non-anesthesiology sedation services. This may be considered as an alternative when anesthesiology service is not available. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This small, single center pilot study examines the safety of sedation by a non-anesthesiologist for interventional radiology procedures. This may offer an additional method of performing procedures in the pediatric population while anesthesia is not readily available.