Hypoxemia during procedural sedation in adult patients: a retrospective observational study

Comparison of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine versus fentanyl and midazolam in procedural sedation for tube thoracostomy in emergency department - A randomized control study

OBJECTIVES

Effective sedation and analgesia during procedures not only provide relief of suffering but also frequently facilitate the successful and timely completion of the procedure. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine compared to fentanyl and midazolam in procedural sedation for tube thoracostomy in the emergency department (ED) in terms of analgesia and patient satisfaction with sedation during the procedure using Pain Numerical Rating Scale and a 7-point Likert-like verbal rating scale for comfort rating of sedation.

METHODS

A randomized control study was conducted in 64 subjects admitted to the ED. Tube thoracostomy was performed in patients after the decision for Intercostal drain (ICD) placement taken on radiographic and clinical assessment depending on their condition warranting it and after optimally stabilizing the patient in the ED. Of the total study participants that met the inclusion criteria, 32 participants randomly received dexmedetomidine and the other 32 received midazolam.

RESULTS

Pain rating scale means were 2.3 ± 1.12 and 4.4 ± 1.72, respectively (P < 0.001), in dexmedetomidine and midazolam groups. With regard to adverse effects, a statistically significant difference was seen with dexmedetomidine causing hypotension (P = 0.04) and midazolam causing desaturation (P = 0.008). The results also suggested that midazolam achieved sedation levels quicker than dexmedetomidine and this finding was statistically significant (P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was observed (P < 0.001) with regard to mean patient verbal ratings at recovery of sedation satisfaction between the two groups, 6 ± 0.77 (dexmedetomidine group) versus 4.7 ± 0.8 (midazolam group).

CONCLUSIONS

When observed in terms of analgesia, anxiolysis, and better sedation, dexmedetomidine proved to be superior. Our study shows that this drug could be a better alternative to traditional benzodiazepines for procedural sedation in ED.

Comparative effects of ciprofol and propofol on perioperative outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The ideal anesthetic agents for sedation, considering their respiratory and cardiovascular benefits and other perioperative or postoperative outcomes, are still unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether ciprofol has advantages over propofol for sedation, particularly concerning respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes and other relevant perioperative measures.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and two Chinese databases for randomized controlled trials comparing intravenous ciprofol and propofol for sedation. The primary outcome was the incidence of adverse respiratory events. Secondary outcomes included incidences of injection pain, hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia during surgery, perioperative nausea and vomiting, and postoperative awakening time. A random-effects model was used for more than four studies; otherwise, we employed the random-effects model with the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman adjustment.

RESULTS

Intravenous ciprofol resulted in fewer adverse respiratory events than propofol (Risk Ratio [RR = 0.44]; 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI 0.35-0.55], p < 0.001, I2 = 45%, low quality). It also showed a lower incidence of injection pain (RR = 0.12; 95% CI 0.08‒0.17, p < 0.001, I2 = 36%, low quality), intraoperative hypotension (RR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.52-0.77, p < 0.001, I2 = 58%, low quality), and nausea and vomiting than propofol (RR = 0.67; 95% CI 0.49-0.92; p = 0.01, I2 = 0%, moderate quality). However, no significant differences were observed for hypertension, bradycardia, and awakening time.

CONCLUSIONS

Ciprofol may be more effective than propofol in minimizing perioperative respiratory adverse events and maintaining hemodynamic stability during sedation without prolonging recovery time.

Intravenous lidocaine decreased oxygen-desaturation episodes induced by propofol-based sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

As a popularly used analgesic adjuvant, intravenous (IV) lidocaine could reduce the consumption of propofol in painless gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. However, whether IV lidocaine could affect the incidence of oxygen-desaturation episodes (ODE) during painless GI endoscopy is still unknown. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that IV lidocaine could decrease the incidence of propofol-induced ODE and involuntary movements in patients during GI endoscopy.

METHODS

Three hundred twenty-two patients scheduled for GI endoscopy were randomly divided into lidocaine group and control group. After midazolam and sufentanil injection, a bolus of 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine was given and followed by continuous infusion of 4 mg/kg/h in lidocaine group, whereas the same volumes of saline solution in control group. Then, propofol was titrated to produce unconsciousness. The primary outcome was the incidence of ODE during the procedure. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of different degree of hypoxia and corresponding treatments and the involuntary body movements.

RESULTS

A total of 300 patients were finally included in the analysis, 147 patients in lidocaine group and 153 in control group. The incidence of ODE was 22% in lidocaine group and 39% in control group (OR:0.052; 95%CI: 0.284-0.889; P = 0.018). IV lidocaine also improved the occurrence of different degree of hypoxia (P = 0.017) and needed few treatments (P = 0.028). The incidence of involuntary body movements (14% vs 26%, P = 0.013) and adverse circulatory events was decreased by IV lidocaine.

CONCLUSIONS

IV lidocaine adjuvant to propofol-based sedation could reduce the incidence of oxygen-desaturation episodes and involuntary body movements, with fewer adverse circulatory events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100053818. Registered on 30 November 2021.

EEG bispectral index sensor guidance improves accuracy and safety of procedural sedation

PURPOSE

To re-audit compliance with an amended sedation protocol following the latest national guidelines. To confirm the improved safety achieved through EEG guidance for drug administration during procedural sedation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following the revision of the departmental protocol, 14 standards were set. Sedation data and outcomes in 150 consecutive patients undergoing fluoroscopic and combined endoscopic procedures were evaluated against these. Combination sedo-analgesia was titrated by the interventional radiology nurses guided by bispectral index sensor (BIS) measurements to achieve readings between 80 and 85. Doses were stratified by patient age and ASA status. Nasal oxygen was given and standard monitoring including pulse oximetry and capnography were used alongside to assess for complications, notably hypoxaemia of ≤ 94%.

RESULTS

85% were non-vascular procedures, the bulk made up of oesophageal stent insertion, gastrostomy, oesophageal dilatation of radiation strictures and biliary procedures. Mean procedure time was 32.9 minutes (10-170). Mean doses of midazolam and fentanyl were 3.99mg (±1.9) and 92.3μg (±35.4), respectively. 84% of patients were classified as having received light or moderate sedation (BIS 70-89). Three standards for patient sedation were missed, but no patient required sedation reversal or airway management, and none developed hypoxaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

BIS guidance of sedation administration allows real-time assessment of the patient's response to sedo-analgesia administered and allows prediction about the safety of further drug administration. It identifies patients waking up, allowing this to be anticipated and reduces interruptions of the procedure. It offers clear clinical advantages to interval assessment of patients' response to clinical stimuli and reduces under-as well as oversedation.

Efficacy and safety of supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation to minimize sedation-related hypoxemia: a meta-analysis with GRADE approach

INTRODUCTION

Hypoxemia is a common complication of sedation. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation (SJOV) in preventing hypoxemia during sedative procedures.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared SJOV with conventional oxygen therapy in sedated patients were searched in five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure [CNKI], and Google Scholar) from their inception to March 2024. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who developed hypoxia (SpO2 < 90%). The secondary outcomes included subclinical respiratory depression (90% ≤ SpO2 < 95%), severe hypoxemia (SpO2 < 75%), airway interventions, adverse events, hemodynamics, propofol dosage, and procedure time. The certainty of evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

RESULTS

Twelve trials (n = 3058) were included in the analysis. The evidence suggests that SJOV results in a large reduction in the risk of hypoxemia (risk ratio [RR], 0.26; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.36; low certainty) and subclinical respiratory depression (RR, 0.40; low certainty) compared with the control. SJOV likely resulted in a large reduction in the risk of severe hypoxemia (RR, 0.22; moderate certainty). In addition, it may result in a large reduction in the need for jaw lift (RR, 0.22; low certainty) and mask ventilation (RR, 0.13; low certainty). The risk of sore throat probably increases with SJOV (RR, 1.71; moderate certainty), whereas SJOV may result in little to no difference in nasal bleeding (RR, 1.75; low certainty). Evidence is very uncertain regarding the effect of SJOV on hemodynamics (very low certainty) and procedure time (very low certainty). SJOV probably resulted in little to no difference in sedative doses between the groups (moderate certainty).

CONCLUSION

According to the GRADE approach, SJOV likely results in a large reduction in the risk of severe hypoxemia but probably increases the risk of sore throat. Compared with the control, evidence suggests that SJOV results in a large reduction in the risk of hypoxemia, subclinical respiratory depression, and the need for airway manipulation, with little to no difference in nasal bleeding. The integration of SJOV into clinical practice may help minimize hypoxemic events in at-risk patients.

Training and Resources Related to the Administration of Sedation by Nurses During Digestive Endoscopy: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

The healthcare professional who performs sedation for digestive endoscopy procedures is usually the nurse. Therefore, knowledge and training on the part of the nurse is an important factor for the correct sedation of the patient and may affect, among other factors, the quality of health care and the recovery and well-being of the patient.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the training opportunities and resources available to the specialists involved in digestive endoscopy services in hospitals in Spain in which sedation is performed by the nursing staff.

METHODS

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study performed in the Digestive Endoscopy Service at Toledo University Hospital and nearby hospitals in central Spain. The sample consisted of 75 nurses who administer sedation in digestive endoscopic procedures.

RESULTS

Regarding the training of nurses, the vast majority were generalist nurses, and only a small percentage obtained specialized training through ongoing training. Most had been working in the service for more than two years, and very few had previous experience in sedation, although the vast majority currently applied sedation. Life support training was also critical. There were significant differences in the availability of resources between different hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

The training of nurses who perform sedation in digestive endoscopy services could be improved since there is a high proportion of personnel without specific training in sedation before starting to work in the service. It is crucial to implement targeted and ongoing training programs to improve competencies in this area, as they are essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Given the variability in resources and personnel training that exists between different hospitals, it seems important to establish standards at the institutional level.

Meta-analysis of risk factors associated with postoperative hypoxemia in the postanesthesia care unit

OBJECTIVE

To identify the risk factors associated with postoperative hypoxemia in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), providing evidence-based recommendations for its prevention.

METHODS

Observational studies examining the risk factors for postoperative hypoxemia in PACU patients were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from their inception to June 2024. Two independent reviewers screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software, employing fixed or random effects models to calculate odds ratios (OR), relative risks (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies were included, comprising 8 cohort studies, 2 case-control studies, and 1 cross-sectional study, with a total of 24,147 subjects, of whom 5,587 experienced hypoxemia. The meta-analysis identified the following significant risk factors for postoperative hypoxemia in the PACU: Advanced age (OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.11-1.29, P<0.001); Elevated body mass index (BMI) (OR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.36-1.97, P<0.001); Low preoperative oxygen saturation (OR=3.16, 95% CI: 2.56-3.91, P<0.001); Smoking status (OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.15-2.43, P<0.05); Surgery duration >120 minutes (OR=1.43, 95% CI: 1.22-1.69, P<0.001); Opioid analgesic use (OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.31-1.74, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies in patients at high risk for postoperative hypoxemia in the PACU.

Continuous Capnography for Early Detection of Respiratory Compromise During Gastroenterological Procedural Sedation and Analgesia

Gastroenterology nurses working across a variety of clinical settings are responsible for periprocedural monitoring during moderate to deep procedural sedation and analgesia (PSA) to identify signs of respiratory compromise and intervene to prevent cardiorespiratory events. Pulse oximetry is the standard of care for respiratory monitoring, but it may delay or fail to detect abnormal ventilation during PSA. Continuous capnography, which measures end-tidal CO2 as a marker of alveolar ventilation, has been endorsed by a number of clinical guidelines. Large clinical trials have demonstrated that the addition of continuous capnography to pulse oximetry during PSA for various gastroenterological procedures reduces the incidence of hypoxemia, severe hypoxemia, and apnea. Studies have shown that the cost of adding continuous capnography is offset by the reduction in adverse events and hospital length of stay. In the postanesthesia care unit, continuous capnography is being evaluated for monitoring opioid-induced respiratory depression and to guide artificial airway removal. Studies are also examining the utility of continuous capnography to predict the risk of opioid-induced respiratory depression among patients receiving opioids for primary analgesia. Continuous capnography monitoring has become an essential tool to detect early signs of respiratory compromise in patients receiving PSA during gastroenterological procedures. When combined with pulse oximetry, it can help reduce cardiorespiratory adverse events, improve patient outcomes and safety, and reduce health care costs.

The periprocedural respiratory safety of propofol sedation in patients with a motor neuron disease undergoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion

Motor neuron diseases (MND), such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS), may cause swallowing and respiratory problems, due to muscle weakness. Chronic enteral feeding via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is often indicated in these patients. PEG insertion is normally performed with sedation. Some guidelines withhold sedation in MND patients, due to the risk of respiratory complications. These guidelines seem to be defensive however and evidence is lacking. Our aim was to examine periprocedural respiratory complications occurring in MND patients undergoing PEG insertion with propofol sedation. A retrospective monocentre study was conducted in a referral hospital with an experienced PEG team. Patients with MND who underwent PEG insertion with propofol sedation between January 1. 2016 to January 1. 2023 were analysed to identify periprocedural respiratory complications. 46 patients were included. In five patients (10.9%) respiratory adverse events (AE) occurred, of which two serious (4.3%) and four AE (8.7%). Serious AE (SAE) were fatal in both cases: aspiration pneumonia (2.2%) and hypercapnia (2.2%) a few days after insertion. Sedation may have influenced the first case. Respiratory AE consisted of desaturation in two (4.3%), mild aspiration pneumonia in one (2.2%), and apnea in one patient (2.2%). Compared to previous studies respiratory complications and mortality had comparable prevalences.

Association of ketamine use during procedural sedation with oxygen desaturation and healthcare utilisation: a multicentre retrospective hospital registry study

BACKGROUND

We investigated the effects of ketamine on desaturation and the risk of nursing home discharge in patients undergoing procedural sedation by anaesthetists.

METHODS

We included adult patients who underwent procedures under monitored anaesthetic care between 2005 and 2021 at two academic healthcare networks in the USA. The primary outcome was intraprocedural oxygen desaturation, defined as oxygen saturation <90% for ≥2 consecutive minutes. The co-primary outcome was a nursing home discharge.

RESULTS

Among 234,170 included patients undergoing procedural sedation, intraprocedural desaturation occurred in 5.6% of patients who received ketamine vs 5.2% of patients who did not receive ketamine (adjusted odds ratio [ORadj] 1.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.29, P<0.001; adjusted absolute risk difference [ARDadj] 1%, 95% CI 0.7-1.3%, P<0.001). The effect was magnified by age >65 yr, smoking, or preprocedural ICU admission (P-for-interaction <0.001, ORadj 1.35, 95% CI 1.25-1.45, P<0.001; ARDadj 2%, 95% CI 1.56-2.49%, P<0.001), procedural risk factors (upper endoscopy of longer than 2 h; P-for-interaction <0.001, ORadj 2.91, 95% CI 1.85-4.58, P<0.001; ARDadj 16.2%, 95% CI 9.8-22.5%, P<0.001), and high ketamine dose (P-for-trend <0.001, ORadj 1.61, 95% CI, 1.43-1.81 for ketamine >0.5 mg kg-1). Concomitant opioid administration mitigated the risk (P-for-interaction <0.001). Ketamine was associated with higher odds of nursing home discharge (ORadj 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21, P=0.012; ARDadj 0.25%, 95% CI 0.05-0.46%, P=0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Ketamine use for procedural sedation was associated with an increased risk of oxygen desaturation and discharge to a nursing home. The effect was dose-dependent and magnified in subgroups of vulnerable patients.

Effect of remimazolam tosilate on the incidence of hypoxemia in elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy: A bi-center, prospective, randomized controlled study

Background: Remimazolam tosilate is a new ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine sedative medicine. In this study, we evaluated the effect of remimazolam tosilate on the incidence of hypoxemia during sedation in elderly patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods: Patients in the remimazolam group received an initial dose of 0.1 mg/kg and a bolus dose of 2.5 mg of remimazolam tosilate, whereas patients in the propofol group received an initial dose of 1.5 mg/kg and a bolus dose of 0.5 mg/kg of propofol. Patients received ASA standard monitoring (heart-rate, non-invasive blood pressure, and pulse oxygen saturation) during the entire examination process. The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate hypoxemia (defined as 85%≤ SpO₂< 90%, >15s) during the gastrointestinal endoscopy. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of mild hypoxemia (defined as SpO₂ 90%-94%) and severe hypoxemia (defined as SpO₂< 85%, >15s), the lowest pulse oxygen saturation, airway maneuvers used to correct hypoxemia, patient's hemodynamic as well as other adverse events. Results: 107 elderly patients (67.6 ± 5.7 years old) in the remimazolam group and 109 elderly patients (67.5 ± 4.9 years old) in the propofol group were analyzed. The incidence of moderate hypoxemia was 2.8% in the remimazolam group and 17.4% in the propofol group (relative risk [RR] = 0.161; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.049 to 0.528; p < 0.001). The frequency of mild hypoxemia was less in the remimazolam group, but not statistically significant (9.3% vs. 14.7%; RR = 0.637; 95% CI, 0.303 to 1.339; p = 0.228). There was no significant difference in the incidence of severe hypoxemia between the two groups (4.7% vs. 5.5%; RR = 0.849; 95% CI, 0.267 to 2.698; p = 0.781). The median lowest SpO₂ during the examination was 98% (IQR, 96.0%-99.0%) in patients in the remimazolam group, which was significantly higher than in patients in the propofol group (96%, IQR, 92.0%-99.0%, p < 0.001). Patients in the remimazolam group received more drug supplementation during endoscopy than patients in the propofol group (p = 0.014). There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of hypotension between the two groups (2.8% vs. 12.8%; RR = 0.218; 95% CI, 0.065 to 0.738; p = 0.006). No significant differences were found in the incidence of adverse events such as nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and prolonged sedation. Conclusion: This study explored the safety of remimazolam compared with propofol during gastrointestinal endoscopy in elderly patients. Despite the increased supplemental doses during sedation, remimazolam improved risk of moderate hypoxemia (i.e., 85%≤ SpO₂ < 90%) and hypotension in elderly patients.

Res-SE-ConvNet: A Deep Neural Network for Hypoxemia Severity Prediction for Hospital In-Patients Using Photoplethysmograph Signal

Determining the severity level of hypoxemia, the scarcity of saturated oxygen (SpO2) in the human body, is very important for the patients, a matter which has become even more significant during the outbreak of Covid-19 variants. Although the widespread usage of Pulse Oximeter has helped the doctors aware of the current level of SpO2 and thereby determine the hypoxemia severity of a particular patient, the high sensitivity of the device can lead to the desensitization of the care-givers, resulting in slower response to actual hypoxemia event. There has been research conducted for the detection of severity level using various parameters and bio-signals and feeding them in a machine learning algorithm. However, in this paper, we have proposed a new residual-squeeze-excitation-attention based convolutional network (Res-SE-ConvNet) using only Photoplethysmography (PPG) signal for the comfortability of the patient. Unlike the other methods, the proposed method has outperformed the standard state-of-art methods as the result shows 96.5% accuracy in determining 3 class severity problems with 0.79 Cohen Kappa score. This method has the potential to aid the patients in receiving the benefit of an automatic and faster clinical decision support system, thus handling the severity of hypoxemia.

Effect of intravenous lidocaine on the ED50 of propofol for inserting gastroscope without body movement in adult patients: a randomized, controlled study

Background

Circulatory and respiratory depression are common  problems that occur in propofol alone sedation during gastroscopy. As a widely used analgesic adjuvant, intravenous lidocaine can reduce the consumption of propofol during Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or colonoscopy. However, it is still unknown the median effective dose (ED₅₀) of propofol when combined with lidocaine intravenously. This study aimed to compare the ED₅₀ of propofol with or without intravenous lidocaine for inserting gastrointestinal endoscope successfully.

Methods

Fifty nine patients undergoing gastroscopy or gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy were randomly divided into control group (Group C, normal saline + propofol) or lidocaine group (Group L, lidocaine + propofol). Patients were initially injected a bolus of 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine in Group L, whereas equivalent volume of 0.9% saline in Group C. Anaesthesia was then induced with a single bolus of propofol in all subjects. The induction dose of propofol was determined by the modified Dixon’s up-and-down method, and the initial dose was 1.5 mg/kg in both groups. The primary outcome was the ED₅₀ of propofol induction dose with or without intravenous lidocaine. The secondary outcomes were the induction time, the first propofol bolus time (FPBT: from MOAA/S score ≤ 1 to first rescue bolus propofol), and adverse events (AEs: hypoxemia, bradycardia, hypotension, and body movements).

Results

Totally, 59 patients were enrolled and completed this study. The ED₅₀ of propofol combined with lidocaine was 1.68 ± 0.11 mg/kg, significantly reduced compared with the normal saline group, 1.88 ± 0.13 mg/kg (P = 0.002). There was no statistical difference in induction time (P = 0.115) and the FPBT (P = 0.655) between the two groups. There was no significantly difference about the AEs between the two groups.

Conclusion

The ED₅₀ of propofol combined with intravenous lidocaine for successful endoscope insertion in adult patients, was 1.68 ± 0.11 mg/kg significantly reduced compared with the control group.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, No: ChiCTR2200059450. Registered on 29 April 2022. Prospective registration. http://www.chictr.org.cn.

Effects of intravenous lidocaine on hypoxemia induced by propofol-based sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures: study protocol for a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

Background

Oxygen-desaturation episodes, blood pressure drops, and involuntary body movement are common problems that occur in propofol-based sedation in the procedure of painless gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. As a widely used analgesic adjuvant, intravenous lidocaine can reduce the consumption of propofol during ERCP or colonoscopy. However, it is still unknown how lidocaine affects the incidence of oxygen-desaturation episodes and cardiovascular events, and involuntary movement during painless GI endoscopy. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of intravenous lidocaine in propofol-based sedation for GI endoscopy.

Methods

We will conduct a single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, saline-controlled trial. A total number of 300 patients undergoing painless GI procedures will be enrolled and randomly divided into the lidocaine group (Group L) and the control group (Group C). After midazolam and sufentanil intravenous injection, a bolus of 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine was immediately injected and followed by a continuous infusion of 4 mg/kg/h in the lidocaine group, whereas the same volumes of saline solution in the control group. Then, propofol was titrated to produce unconsciousness during the procedure. The primary outcome will be the incidence of oxygen-desaturation episodes. Secondary outcomes will be the incidence of involuntary body movement, discomfort symptoms, propofol consumption, endoscopist, and patient satisfaction.

Discussion

Propofol-based deep sedation without intubation is widely used in painless GI endoscopy. However, adverse events such as hypoxemia often occur clinically. We expect to assess the effect of lidocaine on reducing the incidence of oxygen-desaturation episodes, cardiovascular events, and involuntary body movement. We believe that the results of this trial will provide an effective and safe method for painless GI endoscopy.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100053818. Registered on 30 November 2021.

High flow nasal oxygen, procedural sedation, and clinical governance

Procedural sedation for therapeutic and diagnostic procedures can now be achieved through deep sedation techniques that guarantee procedural success. Deep sedation techniques are delivered in a variety of non-theatre environments where the usual levels of anaesthetic equipment are not practical or economical. Hypoxic events are particularly frequent, and challenge sedation providers. Traditional low flow nasal or facial oxygen therapy techniques are often insufficient to maintain acceptable oxygen levels and prevent peri-procedural hypoxia. High flow nasal oxygen delivers warm humidified oxygen up to 70l/min, at oxygen concentrations between 21 - 100%, and reduces the incidence of hypoxic events. The provision of deep sedation is a complex process, fraught with risk, which can challenge even the skilled anaesthetist. Therefore, regulatory authorities previously stipulated that anaesthesia personnel be present during deep sedation. Changing attitudes by regulatory authorities and practical challenges providing anaesthesia specialists have led to the acknowledgement that appropriately trained non-anaesthetic staff can safely provide deep sedation. Deep sedation services are increasingly applied to subjects with complex comorbidities, sometimes excluded for safety reasons from surgery under general anaesthesia. The development of deep sedation services, delivered by non-anaesthesia personnel, to patients with complex co-morbidities requires that services implement appropriate clinical governance tools to prevent deep sedation being the wild west of anaesthesia services. Therefore, whilst high flow nasal oxygen may reduce the incidence of peri-procedural hypoxia, the introduction of clinical governance tools and the systematic introduction of initiatives to improve quality, will maintain the safety of deep sedation services.