The effects of anesthetics on an in-vivo oxygen electrode

The IBC in-vivo oxygen electrode may be used during anesthesia. The possibility that three common inhalation anesthetics--halothane, enflurane, and methoxyflurane--might be reduced at the electrode, thereby changing the PO2 value, was tested. Enflurane and methoxyflurane do not affect the current produced at the electrode; halothane significantly increases PO2 readings at oxygen tensions below 105 torr. It is suggested that PaO2 readings below 105 torr be confirmed by the standard bench method.