Desflurane

Question 1

What is desflurane?

Answer 1

A fluorinated ethyl methyl ether.
Extremely volatile and dangerous

Question 2

How is it administered?

Answer 2

Electronic Tec 6 vaporizer. Heats to 39 degrees at 2 atm.

Question 3

Respiratory effects

Answer 3

Iso>en>des>halo
Shows similar resp effects to the other. PaCO2 rises and minute ventilation falls with increasing concentrations.
Pungent odour and causes coughing and breath-holding. Not suitable for induction

Question 4

Cardiovascular effects

Answer 4

In IHD, concs above 1 MAC may produce CV stimulation (tachycardia and hypertension). It does not sensitise the heart to catecholamines.
Vascular resistance to both cerebral and coronary circulations is decreased.

Question 5

Metabolism

Answer 5

Only 0.02% is metabolised and so its potential to cause toxic effects is minimal

Question 6

Molecular weight

Answer 6

168

Question 7

BP

Answer 7

23.5

Question 8

SVP at 20 degrees

Answer 8

89.2

Question 9

MAC %

Answer 9

6.6

Question 10

Blood:gas

Answer 10

0.42

Question 11

Oil : gas

Answer 11

29

Question 12

Odour

Answer 12

Pungent

Question 13

Cerebral blood flow

Answer 13

Increased

Question 14

Cerebral O2 req

Answer 14

decreased

Question 15

EEG

Answer 15

burst suppression

Question 16

Effect on uterus

Answer 16

Some relaxation

Question 17

Potentiation of muscle relaxation

Answer 17

significant

Question 18

Analgesia

Answer 18

some