What is anesthesia mac

Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Monitored Anesthesia Care MAC , also known as conscious sedation or twilight sleep, is a type of sedation that is administered through an IV to make a patient sleepy and calm during a procedure.

The patient is typically awake, but groggy, and are able to follow instructions as needed. This type of sedation is used for outpatient procedures, such as a colonoscopy, where the patient is expected to go home after the anesthesia has completely worn off.

The level of sedation provided with this type of anesthesia can range from light, where the patient just feels very relaxed, to heavier sedation where the patient is unaware of what is happening and only rouses to significant stimulation. The patient may feel silly and a little sleepy, or under heavier doses may be mostly asleep. In general, with lighter sedation, the patient is able to speak, hear things around them, and answer questions and follow commands.

They are aware of the procedure, but not in pain and typically don't feel anxious about what is happening. While the patient may be heavily sedated, this type of anesthesia is different from general anesthesia because the patient is not chemically paralyzed, nor do they require assistance with breathing. The vital signs are closely monitored to make sure they are stable throughout the procedure. One medication commonly used for this type of sedation is Propofol, also known as Diprivan, which is given through an IV and looks remarkably similar to milk.

This medication is given through an IV and wears off quickly less than ten minutes for most people so the patient is able to wake shortly after the procedure is completed. Back Education and Career. Back Events. Back In the Spotlight. Back Podcasts. Back Quality and Practice Management. Back Research and Publications. Back Member Center. Back About ASA. Research and Publications Lead the direction of our specialty by engaging in academic, research, and scientific discovery.

MAC can be used instead of always giving general or regional anesthesia. MAC is often combined with local anesthesia for smaller procedures. That means you will be numb in the area being operated on. Sedation with MAC can make you feel sleepy and relaxed.

A doctor or a nurse who is trained to give anesthesia will closely watch you during surgery. He or she may adjust the medicine if needed so that you stay safe and comfortable.

You may not remember much about the surgery after. There may be fewer side effects than with other types of anesthesia. It can also help you recover more quickly. An anesthesia specialist will talk to you before the surgery. He or she might ask about your health, past surgeries, medicine you take, and your family history, and your feelings about the surgery. He or she will help you decide if MAC is right for you. You will get an IV, which lets medicine into your vein through a tube.

You may get:. You might also get a shot to make the area near the surgery numb. You will get a list of things to do to help you prepare for your surgery. You will learn about when to stop eating and drinking. If you take medicine, you will learn what you can and can't take before surgery. You will be asked to sign a form that says you understand the risks of anesthesia. Before you sign it, your doctor will talk with you about sedation with MAC.

He or she may talk about other types of anesthesia as well. Side effects for monitored anesthesia care are usually minimum. There are cases where one can be allergic to anesthesia, but the anesthesiologist will work to monitor your reaction upon administration.

Common side effects include:. MAC anesthesia is commonly used in outpatient surgery. You can expect to feel slightly drowsy coming off of MAC, but otherwise the anesthesia will help you to feel calm or unaware of the pain of the surgery. Be sure to follow all aftercare instructions post-operation in order to make a full recovery.

You may also want to arrange transportation home, prior to your surgery, in case you feel drowsy or have other side effects from the anesthesia. It's less intense…. Local anesthesia is used to numb a small area before minor procedures, including dental work and some skin treatments. Learn more about the different….