Critical Care pioneers innovative sedation device

UHNM's critical care unit is pioneering the use of an innovative new device called 'AnaConDa' (Anaesthetic Conserving Device). The product offers a unique way of sedating patients and is set to particularly benefit those with multiple complications as well as reduce patient time in intensive care. Critical care team members travelled to Germany last year to learn more about the device and see it in use. Only five other NHS Trusts in the UK currently use it.

Dr Bala Murali, Consultant Anaesthetist, said: "The AnaConDa device allows us to sedate patients with anaesthetic gas via a ventilator as opposed to the traditional method of intravenous sedation. Use of the device in this pilot programme marks a huge advancement in the management of patients in critical care. It will be more beneficial for patients with multiple complications, those intolerant to opiates and patients with respiratory conditions such as asthma because it reduces inflammation in the lungs. It also has a very predictable 'wake-up' time so that patients can be managed easily and it reduces the need for tracheostomy."

The AnaConDa device is used in conjunction with a ventilator, a gas monitor and a syringe pump. Liquid anaesthetic is delivered from the syringe into the AnaConDa where it is vaporised within the device. The evaporated gas is then transported from the ventilator and delivered to the patient.

Asha Seewoosaha, Senior Staff Nurse for Quality, said: "After going to Germany last year we have now got the go-ahead to start our trial after much hard work.  We have worked extremely hard and we are so proud that we are able to start using it for the benefit of our patients. Because we are one of only a few trusts using the device we will even be in a position to train others on how to use it, which is a mark of how advanced UHNM is in its approach. "