Introduction -- The Stress Response -- Pain management in Critically Ill Patients -- Common Practice and Guidelines for Sedation in Critically Ill Patients -- Clinical and Instrumental Measures of Sedation -- Intravenous Sedatives and Analgesics -- Volatile Anesthetics -- Regional Anesthesia Techniques for Pain Control Critically ill Patients -- Neuromuscolar Blocking Agents -- Sedation and Hemodynamics -- Sedation and Immune System -- Sleep in the ICU -- Delirium in Critically Ill Patients -- Sedation in pediatric Critically Ill Patients -- Sedation in Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit.

This book provides a practical and comprehensive guide to delivering analgesia and sedation to critically ill patients for professionals and caregivers being involved in the management of these patients. It discusses and explains in detail the advantages and limitations of each drug and device using clear flowcharts, diagrams and tables. Furthermore, it explores the new drugs and – above all – new sedation delivery systems, particularly those for administering volatile anesthetics on ICUs. Written by respected experts in the field, this book is a valuable and practical resource for anesthesists, intensivists and emergency physicians interested in sedation.