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Rapid sevoflurane induction compared with thiopental.
Michael C Lewis1, Menno TerRiet, Luis DeLaCruz
1Department of Anesthesiology, V.A. Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA. mclewis@med.miami.edu
Journal of Clinical Anesthesia
|July 21, 2004
Summary
Sevoflurane/nitrous oxide (N2O) inhalation anesthesia induction was as fast as intravenous thiopental. This vital capacity rapid inhalation induction (VCRII) technique is effective for anesthesia induction.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intravenous thiopental is a common anesthetic induction agent.
- Inhaled anesthetics offer an alternative route for induction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the speed of anesthesia induction between sevoflurane/nitrous oxide (N2O) via vital capacity rapid inhalation induction (VCRII) and intravenous thiopental with N2O.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study involving 50 male patients.
- Patients received either 8% sevoflurane VCRII or intravenous thiopental.
- Induction time was measured by loss of eyelash reflex.
Main Results:
- Induction speed was similar between the sevoflurane and thiopental groups (p > 0.05).
- An average of eight breaths was needed for induction in both groups.
- Minor side effects occurred in 36% of thiopental patients and 32% of sevoflurane patients, not impacting induction.
Conclusions:
- Sevoflurane/N2O VCRII is an effective inhalation anesthesia technique.
- Induction time with sevoflurane/N2O VCRII is comparable to slow intravenous thiopental with N2O.