Adjunctive Nitrous Oxide During Emergency Department Propofol Sedation in Adults, a Pilot Study

This pilot study will be conducted in a prospective, non-randomized fashion using a convenience sample of 100 subjects undergoing sedation for Emergency Department procedures.

Recruitment Methods The research associates as well as the health care team (both residents and attending physicians) will screen patients who may need procedural sedation in the Emergency Department and may qualify for the study. Research associates will use the Medical Record

Procedures Involved in the Research Initial medical assessment will be made in accordance with established clinical procedures, including the history, physical examination, and vital signs. If by clinical assessment the patient meets eligibility criteria, then they will be approached by a research associate for enrollment in the study. After informed consent is obtained and prior to starting the sedation, standard vital sign monitoring will be placed on the patient (electrocardiogram, non-invasive blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry, and capnography). Level of consciousness will be determined using the modified Ramsay scale, which will be assessed at baseline. The Entitled Carbon Di Oxide (CO2) monitor will be used as the primary device to measure Entitled Carbon Di Oxide (CO2), with a nasal cannula capable of delivering supplemental oxygen and measuring Entitled CO2.

The Nitrous Oxide gas mixer system will be used as the primary nitrous oxide delivery device. It will mix and deliver nitrous oxide and oxygen in a 1:1 ratio, at a fixed concentration of 50%/50%. It uses a patient driven demand valve system that is hand held. This device provides a consistent, fixed 50%/50% blend of nitrous oxide (N2O) and oxygen (O2), eliminates the need to titrate, and provides fixed concentrations for controlled and consistent dosing. The device comparator detects dosing imbalance to protect against hypoxic mixtures, it cannot deliver nitrous gas without concurrent oxygen, and the device has an anti-asphyxia valve override. The on demand valve requires patient inspiration to trigger dosing. This portable device scavenges exhaled waste gases for environmental safety, as well as a key mechanism that renders the system inoperable without it for security.

After informed consent, the patient will fill out a pre procedure questionnaire and a 100 mm VAS baseline pain scale. The patient will be given the mask for delivery of nitrous oxide, and instructed on its use. The research associate will mark the time the patient began using the device electronically. Once IV access is established, and the team and patient are ready to begin the procedure, the nitrous oxide mask will be removed, and a 100% non rebreather mask delivering 15 liters a minute of supplemental oxygen will be placed on the patients face. The loading dose of propofol will then be administered immediately. All sedations in this trial will use propofol 1.0 mg/Kg initial dose, with 0.5 mg/Kg doses titrated to deep sedation. Once the patient is deeply sedated, the procedure will begin.