intravenous anesthetic
Definition
Noun: A type of anesthetic drug administered directly into a vein to induce a state of anesthesia, which is a loss of sensation, typically for the purpose of surgery or a medical procedure.
Usage
An intravenous anesthetic is used to rapidly induce unconsciousness or sedation. It is a critical tool in modern medicine for procedures ranging from minor surgeries to major operations. - It is injected into a patient's bloodstream. - Its effects are generally very fast-acting. - It is often used in combination with other anesthetic agents or gases to maintain anesthesia.
Examples
- The anesthesiologist administered an intravenous anesthetic before the surgery began.
- Propofol is a commonly used intravenous anesthetic.
- For this outpatient procedure, a short-acting intravenous anesthetic was sufficient.
Advanced Usage
- Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA): A technique where all anesthetic agents (for induction and maintenance of anesthesia) are given intravenously, without the use of inhaled anesthetic gases.
- Induction Agent: An intravenous anesthetic is primarily used as an induction agent to quickly render a patient unconscious at the start of a procedure.
Variants and Related Words
- Intravenous (adj): Existing within or administered into a vein. (e.g., intravenous drip, intravenous injection).
- Anesthetic (n): A broader term for any substance that induces insensitivity to pain.
- Sedative (n): A drug that promotes calm or sleep; some intravenous anesthetics also have sedative properties.
Synonyms
- IV anesthetic
- Injectable anesthetic
- Parenteral anesthetic (a broader term including intramuscular injection)
Related Phrases / Collocations
- Induce anesthesia with an intravenous anesthetic
- Administer an intravenous anesthetic
- Short-acting/long-acting intravenous anesthetic
- Intravenous anesthetic agent
Noun
-
an anesthetic that produces anesthesia when injected into the circulatory system
