BACKGROUNDIn healthy paediatric patients undergoing mask induction of general anaesthesia with sevoflurane, the induction time can be significantly shortened without an increase in the frequency of airway or vital sign complications using a high concentration, primed circuit technique compared with a conventional, incremental induction method. The vital capacity-rapid inhalation group primed with sevoflurane 8% was the fastest with no relevant side effects. (1) Sevoflurane using this technique was very well tolerated, indicated by high haemodynamic stability and a reduced rate of postoperative restlessness, shivering, nausea and vomiting. (2) It has a definite role in predicted difficult airway patients.