Can the laryngeal mask play a role in electroconvulsive treatment? A pilot study.

Introduction: Optimising ventilation control in the anaesthetic process of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be a method for improving the effectiveness and safety of some treatments. There are several approaches for inducing adequate therapeutic seizures in patients with medical co-morbidity or in those with high seizure thresholds, although all of them present limitations. A new approach is hyperventilation with laryngeal mask, a method that improves oxygenation, achieves hypocapnia, and lowers seizure threshold.