Prevention of venous complications from intravenous anesthesia

Vascular complications following the use of intravenous sedative drugs continue to be a problem in dental anesthesia. Etiological factors associated with pain and thrombophlebitis are reviewed. From reports in the literature and clinical experience, venous complications from intravenous sedation may be reduced by utilizing large veins with the dilution of sedative agents in a fast running intravenous infusion. Intravenous lidocaine may be of use to block reflex venospasm and pain.