Recommendation for the practice of total intravenous anesthesia

This Recommendation was developed by the Japanese Society of Intravenous Anesthesia Recommendation Making Working Group (JSIVA-WG) to promote the safe and effective practice of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), tailored to the current situation in Japan. It presents a policy validated by the members of JSIVA-WG and a review committee for practical anesthesia management. Anesthesiologists should acquire and maintain the necessary knowledge and skills to be able to administer TIVA properly. A secure venous access is critically important for TIVA. To visualize and understand the pharmacokinetics of intravenous anesthetics, use of real-time pharmacokinetic simulations is strongly recommended. Syringe pumps are essential for the infusion of intravenous anesthetics, which should be prepared according to the rules of each individual anesthesia department, particularly with regard to dilution. Syringes should be clearly labeled with content and drug concentration. When managing TIVA, particularly with the use of muscle relaxants, monitoring processed electroencephalogram (EEG) is advisable. However, the depth of sedation/anesthesia must be assessed comprehensively using various parameters, rather than simply relying on a single EEG index. TIVA should be swiftly changed to an alternative method that includes inhalation anesthesia if necessary. Use of antagonists at emergence may be associated with re-sedation risk. Casual administration of antagonists and sending patients back to surgical wards without careful observation are not acceptable.