Deep I.V. sedation is administered by an anesthesiologist in our office. The doctor will place a small needle in the back of the hand. Medicine will be administered continually throughout the procedure. The medicine used is Propofol. At times, this will be supplemented if necessary with Valium or a similar class of sedative.
This level of sedation is much deeper. The patient is usually unable to respond to commands or questions. Therefore a responsible party must accompany the patient to the office for the entire procedure to consent for treatment that may change. The patient is constantly monitored by a nurse anesthetist who is able to administer additional medication to keep the patient comfortable. The patient will be required to recover in the office until the doctor deems it safe to discharge him/her.
This level of sedation will require an escort to take the patient home and the patient will need to refrain from normal activity for the remainder of the day. The patient must not eat for 12 hours prior and 3 hours after sedation.