Efficiency of Ventilation During Conscious Sedation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Efficiency of Ventilation During Conscious Sedation of Pediatric Patients Undergoing Minor Procedures in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Pediatric patients admitted to the intensive care unit and requiring conscious sedation for minor surgical procedures are at risk to hypoventilate and retain CO2.

The rise in CO2 levels is not well described and unpredicted. In this study the investigators will monitor CO2 levels transcutaneously using SDMS (SenTec digital Monitoring System) a device recently approved for clinical use. The hypothesis is ventilation of patients undergoing conscious sedation is compromised and CO2 levels might rise significantly to levels that potentially can effect hemodynamics.

In order to avoid hemodynamic changes proper and routine monitoring is recommended.

Inclusion Criteria:

• pediatric patirnts 0- 18 years admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit
• patients requiring minor surgical procedures (e.g. bronchoscopy, central venous line placement, lumbar puncture, intracranial pressure monitoring device insertion)

Exclusion Criteria:

• skin disease
• burns to thorax