Oxygen saturation during electroconvulsive therapy.

Oxygen saturation was measured during anaesthesia and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) using ear oximetry. Significant hypoxia occurred during some treatments; desaturation related to the number of ventilations performed after muscle relaxation and prior to the shock. Desaturation did not correlate significantly with seizure duration. These findings highlight the need for adequate oxygenation during ECT.