[Comparison of 2 techniques for inhaled anesthetic induction with sevoflurane in coronary artery revascularization]

Our objective was to evaluate efficacy, side effects, and hemodynamic alterations during anesthetic induction with sevoflurane in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, comparing the techniques of administration with tidal volume breathing and with vital capacity breaths.

This was a randomized controlled trial enrolling 30 patients scheduled for myocardial revascularization. Anesthetic induction with inhaled sevoflurane was performed with 2 techniques: sevoflurane administered with tidal volume breathing (n=15) and with vital capacity breaths (n=15). We assessed time until a bispectral index (BIS) of 50 or less was reached. We also recorded adverse effects and alterations in hemodynamic variables during induction.

The time to induction was significantly shorter in the tidal volume group. The time until reaching a BIS of 50 or less was significantly shorter in the vital capacity group. Hemodynamics were similar in both groups (no significant differences). In both groups mean arterial pressure decreased significantly from baseline (P<0.05) and systolic and diastolic blood pressures both decreased slightly, with no significant heart rate or ST segment changes. Adverse effects were few and not serious.

Mean arterial pressure decreased in both groups, with no significant differences. The results indicate that hemodynamic stability seems to be similar with both techniques for providing inhaled anesthetic induction with sevoflurane.