title: Single breath induction of anaesthesia, using a vital capacity breath of halothane, nitrous oxide and oxygen.
abstract: Inhalational induction of anaesthesia, using a single vital capacity breath of 4% halothane in 66% nitrous oxide and 33% oxygen was evaluated in 100 unpremedicated outpatients. The technique was found to be acceptable to most (91%) of the patients studied, with a mean (SD) induction time (measured from beginning of inspiration to loss of 'eyelash reflex') of 83(21) seconds. Relative cardiovascular stability was a notable finding of the technique, with a slight decrease in the mean arterial pressure of only 10%. Anaesthetic induction time was unaffected by age, weight or smoking habits. The technique of single breath induction is therefore proposed as a safe and acceptable alternative to intravenous induction in co-operative adult patients.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation / Q000379:methods*; D001835:Body Weight; D006221:Halothane / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012907:Smoking; D014797:Vital Capacity
chemical_list: D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D010100:Oxygen; D006221:Halothane