UK-based National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has recommended the use of Covidien's Bispectral Index (BIS) brain monitoring system in all patients receiving total intravenous anaesthesia.
The system, which is an electroencephalography (EEG)-based monitor, is designed to assess patients' levels with high risk for unintended awareness (consciousness) through electrical activity in the brain.
The assessment, in combination with their other standard practices, helps clinicians to adjust anaesthesia dosing which ensures optimal patient experience and minimal risks.
Patients at high risk for unintended awareness include older patients and patients with morbid obesity, poor cardiovascular function, presence of two or more chronic diseases, high opiate or alcohol use.
Covidien respiratory and monitoring solutions chief medical officer Scott Kelley said, "The NICE assessment and recommendations provide clear guidance to anaesthesia professionals regarding the use of depth of anaesthesia monitoring that will greatly improve patient care and safety for individuals at higher risk for adverse reactions to general anaesthesia."
