Conscious sedation for interventional neuroradiology: a comparison of midazolam and propofol infusion

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare two conscious sedation techniques, midazolam (M) and propofol (P), for interventional neuroradiology by assessment of the incidence of complications and satisfaction scores.

Methods

Forty patients were randomized to receive 0.75 μg · kg^?1 fentanyl and a M or P bolus followed by an infusion; (M I5 μg · kg^?1 + 0.5 μg · kg^?1 · min^?1: P 0.5 mg · kg^?1 + 25 μg · kg^?1 min^?1). The incidences of complications and untoward events requinng intervention were documented. These included respiratory depression, excessive pain, inappropriate movements and the inability to examine the patient. The satisfaction of the anaesthetic technique from the perspective of both the neuroradiologist and the patient was scored.

Results

The incidence and types of complications were not different between the two groups. Pain occurred in 12 patients (6M, 6P), inappropriate movements in 17 (7M, 10P) and respiratory changes in 10 patients (2M, 8P).

Conclusions

Both techniques were satisfactory and the incidence of complications was similar for both groups.