Open AccessThe use of dexmedetomidine as sedation for percutaneous vertebroplasty
Author(s) -
Holden Siobhane,
Sebastian Joseph
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
anaesthesia cases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2396-8397
DOI - 10.21466/ac.tuodasf.2013
Subject(s) - dexmedetomidine , medicine , sedation , sedative , prone position , anesthesia , percutaneous , percutaneous vertebroplasty , surgery , vertebral body
Summary A 56‐yr‐old lady was scheduled for elective percutaneous vertebroplasty to alleviate pain caused by vertebral metastases. At our institution this procedure is performed under local anaesthesia combined with intravenous sedation in the prone position. The patient was known to have a raised body mass index (BMI) of 58.1, a history of obstructive sleep apnoea and gastro‐oesophageal reflux. We realised that we would have very limited access to the patient during the procedure due to the prone position as well as being in an isolated location. It was vital, therefore, to use a sedative agent that would ensure airway reflexes were maintained and cause no respiratory depression or cardiovascular instability. We describe the use of dexmedetomidine to achieve safe, conscious sedation.