Sevoflurane is an inhaled anesthetic medication used for sedation. It is given through breathing (inhalation) rather than through an IV line. In intensive care settings, it can help keep patients comfortable while they are on breathing support. This medication is being studied for its potential benefits in patients who are at risk of developing serious breathing problems in the ICU.

Standard intravenous sedatives are medications given through an IV line to keep patients comfortable and calm while they are in intensive care. These are the current standard medications used for sedation in most intensive care units.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) – A severe lung condition that develops rapidly when fluid builds up in the tiny air sacs in the lungs. This fluid prevents the lungs from filling with enough air, resulting in less oxygen reaching the bloodstream. The condition typically develops in people who are already critically ill or who have significant injuries. ARDS can occur following infection, trauma, or inhalation of harmful substances. The condition causes breathing difficulties, rapid breathing, and a bluish skin coloration. The lungs become stiff and heavy as inflammation and fluid accumulation progress.

Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia – An infection of the lungs that develops during a hospital stay, typically 48 hours or more after admission. It occurs when bacteria enter the lungs, often due to mechanical ventilation or prolonged bed rest. The infection causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, leading to cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. This condition is distinct from community-acquired pneumonia as it involves different types of bacteria and develops in a healthcare setting.

ICU-Acquired Delirium – A serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the environment, specifically occurring during an intensive care unit stay. It can develop over a few hours or days and is characterized by changes in consciousness, disorganized thinking, and disorientation. Patients may experience hallucinations, altered sleep-wake cycles, and changes in behavior. This temporary condition can fluctuate throughout the day.