Monitoring End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Levels of Deeply Sedated MRI Pediatric Patients During the Recovery Period

Safe and effective sedation for the pediatric patient while undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is essential. Monitoring of the pediatric patient is essential not only during the MRI procedure, but also during the recovery period after the examination. Capnography, which measures end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), is a routine part of anesthesia practice for general anesthesia that also works well for the sedated patient in the imaging department. This study assessed the use of ETCO2 in the recovery area to monitor the pediatric patient after being sedated with intravenous (IV) pentobarbital while in the MRI scanner. The results of this study showed that ETCO2 levels remained within the clinical normal range throughout the recovery period for pediatric patients sedated with IV pentobarbital.