Target-controlled inhalation induction with sevoflurane in children: a prospective pilot study

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pediatric Anesthesia
• Inhalational Anesthesia

Background:

• Target-controlled inhalation induction (TCII) with sevoflurane is a developing technique for anesthesia.
• While established in adults, its efficacy in pediatric patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of TCII using the Felix AInOC anesthetic station in children undergoing elective surgery.
• To compare TCII with standard manual inhalation induction in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study compared TCII with standard inhalation induction in children.
• Sevoflurane was used for induction without circuit priming; sufentanil was administered post-venous line placement.

Main Results:

• TCII demonstrated fewer adjustments compared to standard induction (1 vs. 6).
• The time to achieve target end-tidal sevoflurane concentration was shorter with TCII (2 min vs. 3.4 min).
• No significant differences were noted in time to loss of consciousness or intubation/laryngeal mask placement conditions.

Conclusions:

• The Felix AInOC system enables satisfactory TCII in pediatric patients.
• Manual inhalation induction resulted in more frequent adjustments and instances of overdosage compared to TCII.