Comparison of conventional and rapid inhalational induction of anaesthesia with enflurane

Inhalational induction of anaesthesia using either a conventional method or a vital capacity breath of 4% enflurane in 67% nitrous oxide was compared in 30 adult surgical patients. Induction time was significantly faster in patients who took a vital capacity breath (71, SD 22 versus 132, SD 18 seconds, p less than 0.01). There were no significant differences between groups in respect of systolic blood pressure, heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation or incidences of excitement or coughing. The vital capacity breath method was acceptable to 87% of patients.