Inhalational induction with sevoflurane in an adult with severe complex central airways obstruction

Sevoflurane is a newly available volatile anaesthetic agent which is suitable for inhalational induction of anaesthesia. Due to concerns about obstructing the upper airway as anaesthesia deepens, its use has until now been avoided in patients with upper airway obstruction. We used its smooth induction and recovery properties however to anaesthetize a patient with central airway obstruction and coexistent ischaemic heart disease. Sevoflurane proved to be a very satisfactory agent in this situation.