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Updated: Jul 8, 2026
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Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
Inhaled Sedation in the ICU
Ivan Garcia1, Thomas H Fox1, Sara J Olney1
1Mr. Garcia, Dr. Fox, Ms. Olney, Drs. Serra, Patel, Dzierba, and Beitler are affiliated with ASPIRE Trials Program, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
Respiratory Care
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Inhaled sedatives offer rapid onset and elimination for mechanically ventilated patients, but prolonged use, especially sevoflurane, may pose risks like kidney injury. Further research is needed to confirm benefits over intravenous sedation.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Anesthesiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Intravenous sedatives are standard for critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients.
- Inhaled volatile agents (isoflurane, sevoflurane) are used for anesthesia and explored for ICU sedation.
- While approved in some countries, inhaled sedatives lack US regulatory approval for ICU use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence on inhaled sedatives for ICU sedation.
- To discuss clinical and technical aspects of inhaled sedative delivery.
- To inform healthcare providers about this alternative sedation method.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Evaluation of clinical trial data (limited).
- Assessment of technological advancements in delivery systems.
Main Results:
- Inhaled sedatives offer rapid onset/offset and may spare opioids.
- Technological advances enable ICU delivery, but require specialized training.
- Concerns exist regarding prolonged sevoflurane use (kidney injury, NDI) and limited data for isoflurane.
Conclusions:
- Inhaled sedatives present potential advantages but require more research for prolonged use.
- Patient-centered benefits versus intravenous agents remain unclear.
- Safety profiles, particularly for long-term ICU sedation, need further investigation.
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