Sedating the Patient With Underlying Sleep Apnea

The purpose of this article was to discuss the use of moderate sedation in the patient with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). OSAHS is prevalent, yet often undiagnosed in the United States. Patients with OSAHS are at risk for a number of health problems and airway complications when receiving moderate sedation. As a result, sedation for procedure can be complex in this patient population. With a sound understanding of the pathophysiology of OSAHS, careful preprocedure screening, diligent monitoring, and a few modifications, these patients can be sedated effectively and safely.