Sevoflurane administration from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation via the AnaConDa device for a patient with COVID-19: A breakthrough solution for the shortage of intravenous anesthetics

Heart Lung. 2022 Nov-Dec:56:70-73. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2022.06.015. Epub 2022 Jun 16.

Abstract

One of the major issues encountered during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been the shortage of intravenous anesthetics. Moreover, patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) need large quantities of intravenous anesthetics for sedation. We report the case of a 52-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital due to acute respiratory distress syndrome by COVID-19 and treated with ECMO. As controlling sedation with intravenous anesthetics was challenging, we attempted to administer inhaled anesthetics via the gas flow of ECMO. We decreased the quantity of intravenous anesthetics and opioids. This method might help overcome the shortage of intravenous anesthetics.

Keywords: Anesthetics; COVID-19; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Inhalation; Respiratory distress syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Anesthetics, Intravenous
  • Animals
  • Boidae*
  • COVID-19*
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sevoflurane

Substances

  • Sevoflurane
  • Anesthetics, Intravenous
  • Analgesics, Opioid