Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
[Continuous sedation: practical and ethical aspects]
1Service de Médecine interne, Unité aiguë de Soins supportifs, Institut Jules Bordet, Bruxelles. dominique.lossignol@bordet.be
Abstract:
Continuous sedation is an acknowledged medical practice in the management of refractory symptoms at the end of life. Guidelines and recommendations have been proposed in palliative care. This paper presents the state-of-the-art (definitions, indications, technical aspects) on continuous sedation followed by an ethical reflection essentially based on the "double effect" principle, on the impact on life expectancy and the assimilation of continuous sedation as a "natural death". Distinction between continuous sedation and legal euthanasia is clarified.
Related Concept Videos
Stages of General Anesthesia
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. They bind to the GABAA receptor, increasing its affinity for GABA, which opens chloride...
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
