Propofol Drip Infusion Anesthesia for MRI Scanning: Two Case Reports
The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) room is a special environment. The required intense magnetic fields create unique problems with the use of standard anesthesia machines, syringe pumps, and physiologic monitors. We have recently experienced 2 oral maxillofacial surgery cases requiring MRI: a 15-year-old boy with developmental disability and a healthy 5-year-old boy. The patients required complete immobilization during the scanning for obtaining high-quality images for the best diagnosis. Anesthesia was started in the MRI scanning room. An endotracheal intubation was performed after induction with intravenous administration of muscle relaxant. Total intravenous anesthesia via propofol drip infusion (4–7 mg/kg/h) was used during the scanning. Standard physiologic monitors were used during scan pauses, but special monitors were used during scanning. In MRI scanning for oral maxillofacial surgery, general anesthesia, with the added advantage of having a secured airway, is recommended as a safe alternative to sedation especially in cases of patients with disability and precooperative chidren.Abstract

Design for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning room. Device failure happens in the magnetic field of the room, and the highlighted gray area (black arrow pointing area) has the strongest field at more than 0.5 mT. (1) MRI scanning system, (2) bed for patient, and (3) control table.

Pre–magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning for simulation. Three MR images are shown, with and without anesthesia instruments in the room.

Photo in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) room during MRI scanning under general anesthesia. During MRI scanning, the pulse and body temperature were checked by palpation. Propofol was dripping by gravity from the bottle using a 60 drips/mL infusion tube.
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