[Visual EEG analysis in controlling intravenous anesthesia using propofol]

Since the discovery of brain waves by Berger, repeated efforts have been made to use the electroencephalogram EEG for monitoring and controlling anesthesia. Owing to its susceptibility to failure and the high expenditure regarding technology and personnel, the technique has not yet been adopted in routine anesthesia, however. In the study now reported an attempt was made to apply the positive experience with the recording and interpretation of EEG in the development of new anesthetic agents in the experimental laboratory, during routine clinical operations. The anesthetic used in the study was Propofol, an induction hypnotic that has only recently been introduced, together with nitrous oxide and repeated doses of fentanyl. Propofol is distinguished by its fast onset of action and short inactivation time; it is therefore suitable for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. The aim of the study was to maintain predetermined stages of sleep during anesthesia with the aid of visual on-line analysis of the EEG and to establish the dose of Propofol required for this purpose. The operations-general and orthopedic surgery-lasted 70-190 min (average duration: 120 min). In accordance with the randomization plan, the maintenance dose of Propofol was controlled in such a way that in ten patients light sleep levels (C0 to D1) and in the other ten deep sleep levels were maintained. The EEG was recorded via five active scalp electrodes (FP2, F4, C4, P4, O2) with reference to a joint electrode (A2). The stages of sleep were classified according to Kugler.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)