Board-certified Anesthesiologists
IV Sedation for MRI offers a valuable solution for patients who may experience anxiety, discomfort, or difficulty remaining still during their scan. All sedation is administered by a highly experienced, board-certified anesthesiologist. Our advanced IV Sedation department is currently operating out of our Five Towns, Plainview, Sayville, and Stony Brook locations.
Why might I need IV Sedation for my exam?
IV sedation is offered at Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology to provide optimal patient comfort. The MRI environment can be a challenge, but here at Zwanger-Pesiri we want to help you through your exam in any way we can. If you feel that sedation can help you get through your MRI exam, we would be happy to help you coordinate an appointment.
Sedation at Zwanger-Pesiri is performed on the latest wide bore MRI systems for much faster scans compared to older units. We are here to provide you with peace of mind from start to finish.
What is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is medication given to patients to help them remain still during an MRI scan. Lying still is critical to ensuring that the MRI pictures taken will be accurate and clear. Prior to the scan, the board-certified anesthesiologist will put you into a very light sleep to help you relax and minimize any fear or anxiety during the procedure. Both the anesthesiologist and a registered nurse will monitor you before, during, and after the exam.
Stress-free
For patients with severe claustrophobia and anxiety
No Motion
Much clearer diagnostic images without motion artifacts
Expert Care
Board-certified anesthesiologistsFrequently Asked Questions
All metal must be removed before your scan including jewelry, dentures, eyeglasses, belt buckles and any clothing with metal zippers or buttons. If your clothing contains any metal, you will need to change into a gown.
The anesthesiologist will evaluate your individual characteristics to determine the type and dose of sedation required. Factors such as age, weight, anxiety level, pain level, and current medications will all be considered when determining the right type of sedation to use for your MRI.
Either the nurse or anesthesiologist will place an intravenous needle/catheter into a vein in your arm or hand. In some cases, you may be given a small amount of medication to help you relax before the scan begins. You will be monitored before, during, and after your MRI scan by both the anesthesiologist and nurse.
The MRI technologist and nurse will bring you into the MRI room and comfortably position you on the scanning table. The anesthesiologist will then administer the sedation medication. The scanning table you are lying on will be moved into the center of the magnet and the test will begin. The machine never touches you during the scan. You will be monitored before, during, and after your MRI scan by both the anesthesiologist and nurse.
After the scan, you will brought to a relaxing recovery area. The nurse will remove your IV and discharge instructions will be given to both you and the adult who is accompanying you. Generally, patients are awake, alert, and ready for discharge within 30 minutes after the MRI scan. There are no lasting side effects from sedation, although some patients may feel drowsy afterwards. You MAY NOT drive or operate heavy machinery for the remainder of the day.
The entire process takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
You must fast between midnight until after your appointment the next day. However, you may take your medication with a few sips of water.
Depending on your medical history, a medical clearance may be needed. Before your appointment, you will be contacted by our anesthesiology team to determine if clearance is necessary.
Someone must accompany you to the exam, drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day. You MAY NOT drive or operate heavy machinery for the remainder of that day.
Notify our staff if you have any metal, medical, or mechanical devices in your body. This exam may NOT be performed if you have a cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, cerebral aneurysm clips, or cochlear/internal hearing implants.
You may be eligible under certain conditions if you have an MRI-conditional pacemaker/defibrillator. Please call 631-444-5544 ext. 4340 to verify if your device is MRI compatible.
You should arrive 1 hour before your scheduled exam time. Please allow 10 to 30 minutes for the MRI itself, and about 20 to 30 minutes afterwards to recover.
If you have impaired kidney function, are diabetic or are 60 years of age or older, we will perform an i-STAT creatinine level at the time of your exam to assess your kidney function. It is important to inform us if you are taking the medication hydroxyurea when making your appointment. Keep hydrated before and after your exam.