Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
09:36
Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
3.0K
Is it time to stop using desflurane?
Fiona Armstrong1, Joseph Sebastian2
1Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Oldham Hospital, Oldham, UK.
Summary
Desflurane has a high environmental impact. Alternative anesthetic methods and reduced gas venting can significantly lower anesthesia's carbon footprint.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Environmental Science
- Healthcare Sustainability
Background:
- Inhalational anesthetics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Desflurane possesses a significantly higher global warming potential compared to sevoflurane.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore alternative anesthetic techniques to mitigate environmental impact.
- To discuss methods for reducing anesthetic gas waste.
Main Methods:
- Review of current anesthetic practices.
- Analysis of alternative agents like sevoflurane and xenon.
- Evaluation of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and regional anesthesia.
- Assessment of strategies to minimize anesthetic gas venting.
Main Results:
- Sevoflurane presents a lower carbon equivalence than desflurane.
- Xenon offers a potent anesthetic with minimal environmental impact.
- Total intravenous anesthesia and regional techniques eliminate volatile anesthetic emissions.
- Optimizing anesthetic delivery systems can reduce gas waste.
Conclusions:
- Transitioning to lower-potency volatile anesthetics or non-volatile techniques is crucial.
- Implementing waste-reduction strategies is essential for sustainable anesthesia.
- Healthcare providers should consider environmental impact in anesthetic choices.
More Related Videos
04:56In Vitro Method to Control Concentrations of Halogenated Gases in Cultured Alveolar Epithelial Cells
Published on: October 23, 2018
6.9K
03:02Application of Dixon's Up-and-Down Design to Estimate the Minimum Alveolar Concentration of Sevoflurane in Rats with Refined Movement Classification
Published on: July 25, 2025
407
Related Concept Videos
01:20Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
852
Inhalation anesthetics are drugs that induce general anesthesia upon inhalation. They work by increasing the sensitivity of GABAA receptors or inhibiting NMDA receptors, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly adjusted by changing the concentration of the inhaled gas. Some common examples of inhalational anesthetics include volatile liquids like isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and gases like xenon and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane, a...
852
01:21Tracheostomy Decannulation
881
Tracheostomy decannulation is a significant milestone in the liberation of mechanically ventilated patients. Despite its importance, there is no universally accepted protocol for this procedure. This demands an evidence-based, individualized approach.
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
881
01:24Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
505
Intravenous anesthetics are drugs administered parenterally to induce anesthesia or sedation. Propofol is a widely used agent formulated as a 1% emulsion in soybean oil, glycerol, and egg phosphatide. It induces rapid anesthesia primarily due to its rapid distribution from the bloodstream to target tissues and is metabolized in the liver. However, it can cause significant pain on injection and hypertriglyceridemia. Fospropofol, a water-based prodrug of propofol, lacks these adverse effects.
505
01:22Stages of General Anesthesia
1.3K
Various sedation levels offer significant advantages in facilitating procedural interventions for patients undergoing medical or invasive surgical procedures. These levels span from anxiolysis to general anesthesia, providing a spectrum of sedative effects to cater to specific patient needs. Anxiolysis reduces anxiety and is achieved through minimal sedation, enabling patients to remain awake and responsive while feeling more at ease during the procedure. This level can benefit minor...
1.3K
01:19Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics
522
Depolarizing blockers are administered through intravenous injection. Succinylcholine is the most common choice of depolarizing blockers in emergency clinical practices. Although they have a rapid onset, they readily diffuse away from the motor end plate into the extracellular fluid. They are metabolized by enzymes such as liver butyrylcholinesterase and plasma pseudocholinesterases. This produces a short duration of action, typically 5-10 minutes long, unlike nondepolarizing blockers, which...
522
01:24General Anesthesia: Overview
495
Anesthesia is a medical procedure that uses drugs for CNS suppression to enable painless surgeries and procedures. The selection of anesthetics is influenced by their pharmacokinetic properties, side effects, and patient characteristics. Various types of anesthesia include general, local, regional, spinal, and inhalational.
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
495