INTRAVENOUS CONSCIOUS SEDATION

For patients requiring a greater level of sedation, intravenous conscious sedation may be just the right choice.  Although this procedure requires a small intravenous catheter (IV), it allows Dr. Bohannan to titrate intravenous medications to a desired level of sedation.  Unlike oral medications, which can either provide a little too much or too little sedation, intravenous sedation allows Dr. Bohannan to titrate the level of sedation to the patient's and the procedure's needs.  In this technique, you are very relaxed and will often drift into a pleasant and light sleep.  However, if prompted, you will respond to suggestions or commands.  For instance, Dr. Bohannan may ask you to open your mouth, although relaxed and somewhat sleepy, you will be able to respond appropriately.  During more stimulating portions of the procedure, you will receive enough medication to adequate sedate you and during the less stimulating portions of the procedure you will receive less medications.  During the procedure, you are fully monitored to provide an adequate level of sedation as well a providing a safe anesthetic.  After a brief recovery period in the office, many people go home after the procedure and take a small nap and feel refreshed upon awakening.  They is usually not in any discomfort for a few hours following a procedure as local anesthetic is used once you are sedated. Patients often will have no recollection of the procedure.