Sevoflurane sedation – blind alley or cunning plan?

Low-dose inhaled sevoflurane sedation impaired volunteers' ability to complete a button-press task, without significant cardiorespiratory compromise. Patient-controlled sedation using sevoflurane might be feasible, however regulatory hurdles require proof of safety and efficacy through clinical trials. Whilst a promising concept, it must be demonstrated that patients cannot induce unconsciousness on their own, despite any interactions with opioid analgesics. Significant steps remain before practical, patient-controlled sevoflurane sedation can be implemented.