Sedating Pregnant Patients for Minimally Invasive Fetal Interventions

This article discusses sedation in pregnant patients undergoing minimally invasive fetal interventions. It includes a review of the goals of sedation in this population, relevant existing guidelines, physiological considerations unique to pregnant patients undergoing sedation, and a brief discussion of perioperative management using pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic anxiolysis.Recent FindingsSedation is used by most fetal therapy centers performing minimally invasive fetal interventions in combination with local or neuraxial anesthesia. Existing guidelines recommend no more than a moderate plane of sedation for pregnant patients. The impact of individual medications on the pregnant patient, fetus, and operating conditions including uterine contractility are areas of investigation relevant to fetal interventions.SummaryWhile most fetal centers use sedation for pregnant patients undergoing minimally invasive fetal surgery, no single regimen has been identified as optimal. Vigilance in maintaining a minimal-moderate level of sedation is essential for mitigating risks when sedating pregnant patients.
Source: Current Anesthesiology Reports - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research