Evolution of a Protocol for Ketamine-induced Sedation as an Alternative to General Anesthesia for Interventional Radiologic Procedures in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Ketamine-induced sedation may be a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia for some interventional radiologic procedures in pediatric patients. Collaboration between anesthesia and radiology departments is important for development of a safe and successful ketamine sedation program. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing the intravenous infusion of ketamine for sedation in pediatric patients and the only report describing the establishment of a protocol for ketamine administration by credentialed radiology nurses with radiologist supervision.