New drug in volatile anaesthesia--desflurane.
Desflurane is a new fluorinated ether with rapid onset of and recovery from anaesthesia. Recovery characteristics are comparable with or faster than after propofol infusion or isoflurane anaesthesia. The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) varies with age from 9.4% (infants) to 6% (adults), and is reduced by opioids and sedative premedication. Desflurane is highly stable. It is stable with soda-lime, and is minimally metabolised. Inhalational induction is associated with a high incidence of coughing and laryngospasm, especially in children. During anaesthesia, blood pressure is reduced, but cardiac output and organ perfusion is well maintained. Desflurane is a respiratory depressant, and enhances the action of neuromuscular blocking agents. Cerebrovascular autoregulation appears to be preserved, but intracranial pressure may still rise during desflurane anaesthesia. Delivery of vapour is using a new electrically heated vaporizer, the Tec 6, with internal monitoring circuitry and new safety features.
Graham
S G
SG
University Department of Anaesthesia, Leicester Royal Infirmary, United Kingdom.
D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation / Q000295:instrumentation; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D002648:Child; D000077335:Desflurane; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007530:Isoflurane / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D000077335:Desflurane; D007530:Isoflurane