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Published on: December 19, 2017
Sedation in pediatric neuroimaging: the science and the art
1Department of Pediatric Medical Imaging, Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84113.
Insights
Safe and successful pediatric neuroimaging sedation requires a detailed plan. Careful attention to the science and art of sedation ensures excellent results for diagnosing pediatric neurologic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Radiology
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Sedation for pediatric neuroimaging is essential but challenging.
- Ensuring patient safety and high first-attempt success rates are critical.
- Current imaging technologies rely on effective sedation protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the critical aspects of pediatric neuroimaging sedation.
- To emphasize the importance of a comprehensive sedation plan.
- To guide professionals in achieving safe and successful sedation outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current practices and challenges in pediatric sedation for neuroimaging.
- Analysis of factors contributing to sedation success and safety.
- Discussion of the integration of sedation protocols within neuroimaging facilities.
Main Results:
- A well-defined sedation plan is crucial for safety and efficacy.
- Attention to both the scientific and artistic elements of sedation is necessary.
- Successful sedation facilitates the application of advanced diagnostic imaging.
Conclusions:
- A written sedation plan is vital for maximizing safety and success in pediatric neuroimaging.
- Professional collaboration and attention to detail are key to excellent sedation outcomes.
- Effective sedation enables accurate diagnosis of pediatric neurologic diseases.
Abstract:
Sedation of infants and children for neuroimaging is a "necessary evil" that will be with us for the foreseeable future. Sedation must be accompanied safely in all patients with a high frequency of success on the first attempt. A carefully-considered written sedation plan that addresses the issues raised in this review will assure maximum safety and success in sedating infants and children at each facility involved in pediatric neuroimaging. An affirmative approach and careful attention to both the science and the art of pediatric sedation by all concerned professionals will produce excellent results and facilitate application of current imaging technology in the diagnosis of pediatric neurologic disease.
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