lipid emulsion therapy
The intravenous administration of a lipid emulsion solution (typically 20% Intralipid) as an antidote for local anesthetic systemic toxicity and certain lipophilic drug overdoses.
Full Definition
Lipid emulsion therapy, often called 'lipid rescue,' works by creating a lipid phase in the bloodstream that sequesters lipophilic drugs—most critically bupivacaine—away from cardiac and neural tissues. In dental anesthesiology, it is the definitive treatment for LAST and is increasingly stocked in office-based sedation facilities. Editors should note that 'Intralipid' is a brand name and should be capitalised if used; the generic descriptor is '20% lipid emulsion.' The phrase 'lipid rescue' is a colloquial term acceptable in educational materials but should be replaced by 'lipid emulsion therapy' in formal clinical documents.
Usage
Usage note: 'Lipid rescue' is colloquial; use 'lipid emulsion therapy' in formal documents. 'Intralipid' is a brand name requiring capitalisation. Confirm percentage concentration (typically 20%) is stated.
In Context
- "The dentist anesthesiologist administered lipid emulsion therapy immediately upon recognising signs of bupivacaine toxicity." — Emergency case report
- "Replace colloquial 'lipid rescue' with 'lipid emulsion therapy' in the methods section." — Manuscript editing note