Model-based administration of inhalation anaesthesia. 4. Applying the system model

We developed and tested a simple dosing strategy for rapid induction with isoflurane followed by maintenance under minimal-flow conditions, that is 0.5 litre min(-1) total fresh gas flow (FGF). An end-expired concentration was to be achieved within 5 min in a desired therapeutic window, that is 0.8-1.1 vol%, and to be maintained within it for at least 30 min.

With our new model we computed a three-stage regimen using one fixed vaporizer setting: 3 vol% isoflurane in a FGF of 3 and 1.5 litre min(-1), each for 3 min, and 0.5 litre min thereafter. The ratio of nitrous oxide:oxygen was, consecutively, 2:1, 2:1, and 2:3. We evaluated this scheme in 58 adult patients (body mass 74 (SD 13) kg), mostly during eye and ear, nose, and throat surgery.

Measured oxygen (33-45 vol%) and nitrous oxide concentrations (66-50 vol%) evolved in accordance with those computed. In five patients with a median of body mass 92 kg (range 76-126 kg), inspired oxygen concentrations decreased to less than 30 vol%. End-expired isoflurane concentration entered the window after 2 min (range 1.0-5.67 min) and attained its maximum, that is 0.96 vol% (0.8-1.2 vol%), after 3.45 min (1.67-6.33 min). The mean end-expired concentration was in the desired window from 3-60 min and an average of 72% of individual measurements were within the window from 3-30 min. The scheme was adapted in six patients (excluded from analysis) because of hypotension.

The regimen is easily remembered, reliable, and lends itself to alternative strategies, but must be guided by the monitoring of gas and vapour concentrations and haemodynamic variables.