Modified Anesthesia Protocol for Electroconvulsive Therapy Permits Reduction in Aerosol-Generating Bag-Mask...

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a vital psychiatric treatment.
• Traditional ECT protocols involve bag-mask ventilation (BMV), posing aerosolization risks during pandemics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a modified ECT anesthesia protocol.
• The modified protocol aims to reduce BMV use by employing preoxygenation and reserving BMV for desaturating patients.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective chart review compared traditional and modified ECT anesthesia protocols.
• 106 patients undergoing ECT were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The modified protocol reduced BMV use by over 50% (48.1% of patients required BMV).
• Patient BMI was the only significant clinical factor associated with BMV requirement.
• Adequate seizure durations were maintained, and no acute complications occurred.

Conclusions:

• The modified anesthesia protocol effectively minimizes BMV use in ECT.
• This approach enhances safety by reducing aerosol exposure without compromising treatment efficacy.