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Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

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Desflurane<br />

Class<br />

Volatile inhaled anesthetic. Used for maintenance of anesthesia.<br />

Mechanism of Action<br />

Uncertain<br />

Dose<br />

Titrated to effect; MAC (age 40) = 6.0%<br />

Onset<br />

Low solubility allows rapid uptake and equilibration. Onset of effect is hastened by using<br />

higher flows of carrier gases and by using higher concentrations of volatile agent.<br />

Duration<br />

Clinical recovery in less than 10 minutes (2-2.5 x faster washout than Isoflurane)<br />

Elimination<br />

Pulmonary (major); negligible hepatic (0.02%)<br />

Effects<br />

CNS<br />

Desflurane produces an additive central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect along with<br />

other sedative/hypnotics and analgesics. Sympatho-excitation can occur with rapid increase<br />

in concentration of desflurane. Has the potential to increase intracranial pressure which can<br />

be mitigated with hyperventilation. May cause headache, agitation, dizziness.<br />

CVS<br />

Dose-related hypotension (vasodilation). Tachycardia and hypertension may be seen due to<br />

sympathetic nervous system activation.<br />

Respiratory<br />

Respiratory depression with a rapid, shallow respiratory pattern. Loss of intercostal muscle<br />

function creates a rocking boat appearance. Desflurane is irritating to the airways and can<br />

cause breath-holding, cough, laryngospasm or bronchospasm in susceptible individuals, especially<br />

if used as sole agent for induction.<br />

GI<br />

Potential immune-mediated hepatotoxicity. Nausea, vomiting.<br />

MSK<br />

Potentiates neuromuscular blockade; malignant hyperthermia trigger.<br />

Misc.<br />

Significant carbon monoxide production occurs on exposure to dessicated CO 2 absorbing<br />

agents therefore must not be used with low-flow anesthesia. Rapid elimination requires initiation<br />

of post-operative analgesia prior to emergence.<br />

Contraindications<br />

Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility<br />

Related Glossary Terms<br />

Balanced anesthesia, Four A’s of anesthesia, Inhaled agents, Isoflurane, MAC, Malignant hyperthermia,<br />

Sevoflurane, Vapourizer, Volatile<br />

Index<br />

Find Term<br />

Chapter 2 - Anesthetic Equipment and Monitoring<br />

Chapter 3 - General <strong>Anesthesia</strong><br />

Chapter 6 - Drug Finder<br />

Chapter 6 - Inhaled Agents

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