Clinical Impressions and Cardiorespiratory Effects of a New Fluorinated Inhalation Anaesthetic, Desflurane (1–653), in Volunteers

Abstract

The new volatile anaesthetic, desflurane (I-653), was administered to 10 healthy, unpremedicated young male volunteers in order to determine its cardiorespiratory effects and the characteristics and acceptability of its inhalation. All volunteers breathed either sub-anaesthetic (1.8% inspired) or anaesthetic (5.4% inspired) concentrations of the anaesthetic without coughing, breath-holding, salivation or other untoward respiratory response. Respiratory minute volume and alveolar ventilation decreased and ventilatory rate increased. Systemic arterial pressure decreased (diastolic more than systolic) and heart rate remained unchanged. Cardiac rhythm remained unaltered, except in one volunteer who experienced a single premature atrial contraction. Volunteers stated that the odour of desflurane was not irritating or unpleasant. Exposure to the agent for approximately 90 min resulted in rapid and clear-headed recovery.

Induction, maintenance and recovery characteristics of desflurane in infants and children

“…4'5 These characteristics, together with preliminary evidence that at I • MAC and sub-MAC desflurane, desflurane is devoid of irritant effects on the respiratory system in adults suggest that this new inhalational anaesthetic may have a role in paediatric anaesthesia. 6 Desflurane has been investigated extensively in humans. It is less potent than other inhalational anaesthetics: MAC is 7.25% in young adults and 6.0% in older adults.…”

Evaluation of Intubating Conditions Using Sevoflurane Without Using Muscle Relaxants

“…Renewed interest in adult inhalation induction began during the development of desflurane, which was associated with rapid loss of consciousness in healthy young male volunteers. (4) In clinical use, however, it was found to have an unacceptably high level of coughing and laryngospasm. (5) Although these side effects can be somewhat reduced by pre-treatment with morphine.…”

Anwendung von Muskelrelaxanzien in Deutschland

“…Andererseits steht uns mit der Larynxmaske ein Verfahren zur Verfü-gung, bei dem wir nicht mehr intubieren müssen und häufig auf ein Muskelrelaxans verzichten können [2]. Daneben könnten die besser steuerbaren Hypnotika und Opioide auch die intraoperative Notwendigkeit zu relaxieren vermindern [13,14,23].…”