Anaesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy: a role for etomidate

Abstract

Aims and MethodThree cases are described to illustrate the elective use of etomidate in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) anaesthesia.ResultsUse of etomidate is described in an individual who was treated with an electrical stimulus at the maximum level for the ECT machine in use; in a person who had severe side-effects with an alternative induction agent; and in a person with severe cardiac disease.Clinical ImplicationsThe anaesthetic drug should be tailored to the individual needs of the person being treated with ECT. Clinics should involve local anaesthetic departments in reviewing their anaesthetic practice.