
BIS values range from 0-100. Target 40-60 for general anesthesia, 60-70 for sedation, and 70-85 for light sedation.
Adjust propofol TCI to maintain target BIS. Generally, 3-5 μg/ml effect-site concentration correlates with BIS 40-60.
Rapid BIS increases may indicate awareness risk. Decreases below 30 suggest excessive anesthetic depth requiring dose reduction.
Use BIS trending to guide titration. Stable values within target range confirm appropriate TIVA delivery and depth of anesthesia.
Electroencephalography (EEG) is a tool to record electrical brain activity. It is a non-invasive method. In the OR, EEG monitoring assesses anesthesia depth. It tracks brain activity in real time.

High amplitude, slow waves that dominate during deep sleep and deep anesthesia stages. Delta waves indicate cortical deactivation and are prominent at BIS values below 40.
Slower, lower amplitude waves appearing in light sleep and moderate sedation. Theta activity becomes prominent at BIS values between 40-60, correlating with surgical anesthesia.
Moderate amplitude waves typical of relaxed wakefulness and light sedation. Alpha rhythms predominate at BIS values of 60-80.
Low amplitude, fast waves associated with active thinking, focus, and high-level cognitive function. Beta activity increases with anxiety, stressed concentration, and problem-solving.
The brain's electrical activity transforms predictably as patients transition through TIVA stages:
Alpha and beta waves predominate. Fast, low-amplitude patterns reflect active cognition and alertness.
Beta activity decreases as propofol takes effect. Theta waves emerge as consciousness fades.
Theta activity increases. Regular, rhythmic patterns indicate stable hypnotic effect and adequate TIVA dosing.
Slow delta waves dominate. Burst suppression patterns may appear, indicating excessive anesthetic depth.
Record awake EEG patterns before induction. This establishes the patient's normal electrical activity.
Observe transition from beta to theta/delta waves. Target appropriate BIS levels based on procedure type.
Maintain BIS 60-80 for moderate sedation. For general anesthesia, target BIS 40-60.
Monitor return of alpha and beta activity. Use these changes to time extubation.
During TIVA, watch for continuous slow waves (stable anesthesia), burst suppression (excessive depth), and transient beta activity (potential arousal).
Different TIVA agents produce characteristic EEG patterns that impact BIS interpretation. Understanding these signatures improves depth-of-anesthesia management.
BIS Interpretation For TIVA