An algorithm for the sedation of patients with obstructive sleep apnea by non-anesthesiologists.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at risk for adverse events when moderate sedation is administered by nurse protocols (NAMS) under the guidance of non-anesthesiologists. An algorithm was applied for the appropriate section of patients to receive NAMS and the application of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

METHODS: An algorithm was developed for patients with OSA who were scheduled for gastroenterology, radiology, and cardiology procedures using NAMS. Those with normal airways and without contraindications for NAMS were classified as CPAP-independent (CPAP-I; not routinely used) or CPAP-dependent (CPAP-D; always used). CPAP machines were brought in by CPAP-D patients or supplied by the hospital and set at a patient's routine setting or 10 cm H2 O if not known. CPAP-D patients for procedures for which CPAP could not be applied were done under anesthesia care. We retrospectively examined this program for the 2008-2018 period.

RESULTS: Since the inception of this protocol in 2008, 803 patients with OSA safely underwent procedures using either personal CPAP or CPAP provided by the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OSA can safely have NAMS for procedures when CPAP is applied based on a protocol that considers airway evaluation, the procedure, and whether there is dependence upon CPAP.