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J&J’s Sedasys Puts Challenge to Anesthesiologists

By Jonathan D. Rockoff


Johnson & Johnson

A new system called Sedasys, made by Johnson & Johnson, would automate the sedation of patients undergoing colon-cancer screenings. That could take anesthesiologists out of the room, eliminating a big source of income for the doctors. Learn more about Sedasys.

What is Sedasys?

Sedasys is a machine made by Johnson & Johnson to automate the sedation of certain adults who are 18 years or older and undergoing a colon-cancer screening. Patients who are eligible for the machine are healthy or have one well-controlled medical condition.

Sedasys was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in May and starts going on sale early next year. J&J plans to introduce the machine slowly, with select physicians trained in its use.

How does it work?



What is the sedation drug that is used?

The machine delivers a popular but powerful sedative called propofol. The drug can induce a range of sedation, including general anesthesia. A concern is a patient receiving propofol could suddenly slip into general anesthesia, and the heart or breathing could abruptly stop, requiring emergency intervention.

What is the cost?

Use of the machine could potentially cut spending on the colon-cancer screenings. J&J hopes the potential savings will appeal to hospitals and clinics and drive machine sales. Anesthesiologists typically charge $600 to $2,000 for their involvement. Sedasys would cost about $150 a procedure. Reimbursement would vary, but insurers are expected to pick up the tab.

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