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Arterial Pa02 and PaC02 influence seizure duration in dogs receiving electroconvulsive therapy The influence of arterial 02 and C02 tension~ on electroconvulsiva seizure duration was investigated in five mongrel dogs under consistent anaesthetic conditions. Seizure durations were measured in a randomized protocol of nine possible combinations of arterial gas tension spanning increased, normal or decreased revels of PaO 2 and PaCO 2. Seizure duration was directly related to Pa02 (p < 0.00001) and inversely related to PaCO2 (p < 0.0001). A significant synergism was evident at the extremes of Pa02 and PaCO 2, with seizure duration being greater than predicted for hyperoxia hypocapnia and hypoxia-hypercapnia and shorter than predicted for hypoxiahypoeapnia and hyperoxia-hypercapnia. We conclude that arterial gas tensions strongly influence ECT-induced seizure duration and through this may influence the therapeutic efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy. Anaesthesia for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has evnlved from the use of nothing but physical restraint to a regimen ef preoxygenation, a short-acting intravenous anaesthetic and a muscle relaxant, plus ventilation with a high inspired oxygen fraction immediately prior to and following the seizure-inducing stimulus. The anaesthetic agents have varied considerably, with emphasis being on rapid return of self'protective reflexes and minimization of potentially hazardous fluctuations in blood pressure or cardiac rhythm.

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