Anesthesia Inhalation Agents and Their Cardiovascular Effects

Excerpt

Throughout the past several decades, both multiple studies and clinical practice have demonstrated the cardiovascular effects of inhalation anesthetic agents. These anesthetics include the early agents of diethyl ether and nitrous oxide to the latest halogenated agents such as isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane. The halogenated agents all have similar circulatory effects as seen in young, healthy volunteers during maintenance anesthesia. However, comorbidities, extremes in age, concurrent medication, and other associated factors compound the predicted effects. With the development of the anesthetic care team approach, it is important to maintain effective communication to improve overall outcomes.