Definition: Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) 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.
The level of sedation provided with this type of anesthesia can range from light, where the patient just feels very relaxed, to heavy, where the patient is unaware of what is happening and only rouses to significant stimulation.
Because the level of sedation varies, the process is monitored, with a anesthesia professional present to continuously monitor the patient's vital signs and maintain or adjust the level of sedation as needed.
This type of sedation is frequently used with minor surgical procedures and dental procedures and can be combined with local or regional anesthesia.
Depending on the medications used as the doses given, the patient may or may not remember the procedure.
Also Known As: monitored sedation, twilight sleep, light sedation,
Examples: The dentist recommended twilight sleep to keep the patient calm and comfortable while having his wisdom teeth extracted.
