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COMMON QUESTIONS |
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What will the patient experience? |
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The patient will experience short-term (average 6 minutes), minimal sedation depending on how much of the gas is properly inhaled. Minimal sedation is defined as an induced depression of consciousness during which cognitive function and coordination may be impaired. The patient responds purposefully to verbal command, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. No interventions are necessary to maintain patent airway. Spontaneous ventilation is adequate and cardiovascular function maintained. This video shows a typical patient experience. |
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What are the risks and benefits of using nitrous oxide? |
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For over 170 years nitrous oxide has shown impressive safety and is excellent for providing minimal and moderate sedation. For a complete review of risks and benefits see this review article on nitrous oxide and the inhalation anesthetics. |
| What is the safety evidence for the Hand-Held Nitrous device? |
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When used as directed Hand-Held Nitrous delivers a safe dose of nitrous oxide. To prove that the device is safe even if used in an abusive fashion a performance test was conducted. In this test the device was modified to prevent any ambient air from mixing with the nitrous oxide gas and multiple doses were administered consecutively. Even when used in an abusive way, the device is only capable of delivering a maximum nitrous oxide concentration of 72% and during all four modified doses oxygen saturation levels ranged between 99% and 89%. This chart shows the results of this modified device test. It represents the worst-case possible if a person physically modified the device and ignored all instructions for use. |
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Dentists mix nitrous oxide with supplemental oxygen. How does Hand-Held Nitrous maintain adequate oxygen? |
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The mouthpiece used with the device has holes which allow ambient air to mix with the nitrous oxide, much like an inhaler uses ambient air to mix with a medication. Oxygen saturation tests show that under normal use oxygen saturation is maintained in a healthy range. |
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How many doses can I give a patient? |
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Results from clinical trials and device performance tests recommend no more than 2 doses be given. Hand-Held Nitrous should not replace local anesthesia or general anesthesia. |
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Do patients like using Hand-Held Nitrous? |
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Over 90% of the patients who completed the clinical trials reported that they received benefit from the device and would use it again given the chance. |
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Are there any counter indications to using this product? |
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Yes, please see warnings and precautions in the Instructions for Use |
| Who can legally purchase Hand Held Nitrous? |
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In most cases you must be a licensed health care provider. An individual health care provider may be a professional within medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and other allied health professions. Health care providers may also be institutions such as hospitals, clinics, primary care centres and other health service delivery locations. In some professions, non-healthcare providers can also purchase nitrous oxide. If you are not a licensed health care provider but you offer a service that creates short term pain to your clients, please contact us directly at 806-787-0756. State and federal laws may limit or prohibit use. |