The Benefits of Metabolic-flow Volatile Anesthetics and A Simple Technique To Achieve It

The use of low-flow anesthesia circuits offers numerous benefits to the patient, the hospital, and the environment. In this project, we used a simple technique to reduce oxygen fresh gas flows soon after induction to equal... [ view full abstract ]

The use of low-flow anesthesia circuits offers numerous benefits to the patient, the hospital, and the environment. In this project, we used a simple technique to reduce oxygen fresh gas flows soon after induction to equal metabolic demand.  After confirming the feasibility and ease with which this technique could be used in the clinical setting, we conducted a cost-savings analysis for the hospital assuming this approach were used for all adult general anesthetics.  We discovered through the use of low-flow anesthesia, it is possible to achieve significant cost-savings, maintain airway moisture and humidity in the breathing circuit, limit thermal losses, and decrease greenhouse gas release. Although these are significant benefits, it should be noted that use of low fresh gas flows prevents rapid changes in end-tidal agent concentrations.  Sudden increases in surgical stimulation may be addressed through the use of IV agents.