Getting started
Facilities that aren't using sublingual sedation, or are using it only as a
last resort, may want to rethink that approach. Dr. Berdahl believes
the FDA will approve sedation tablets within the next 5 years. "We're
also continuing to move away from opioids," he adds, "and that will
lead to more non-IV alternatives for conscious sedation."
If you simply can't get comfortable with the idea of IV-free cataract
surgery, Dr. Berdahl suggests establishing intravenous access and
administering the troches until you gradually get used to relying on
oral sedation alone. He believes you'll soon realize the IV isn't needed
and eventually eliminate the extra step.
Dr. Berdahl points out anesthesia providers can still establish IV
access quickly and easily in the rare situation it's needed. He esti-
mates less than 5% of his cataract patients — those who are undergo-
ing anticipated difficult procedures or those who are overly nervous
— have an IV started as a back-up. Although the IV option is almost
never used, it's always available.
OSM
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