Regional Anesthesia/MAC

Monitored anesthesia care (MAC) is an alternative to general anesthesia for surgical procedures that are noninvasive and short in nature, or that utilize regional anesthesia. Sedatives and analgesics are given, by an anesthesia provider trained in airway management, in a fashion that promotes respiratory function and spontaneous ventiation, yet provides amnesia and analgesia. Patients and surgeons favor MAC over general anesthesia due to the quicker recovery and pain control it provides when used in conjunction with a regional anesthetic. Multiple factors contribute to whether a MAC is appropriate for a certain patient. In most instances MAC is very safe, however, the anesthesia provider needs to be aware of potential complications that can arise using MAC.