Anesthesiologist Identifies Most Environmentally-Friendly Inhaled Anesthetic

A California physician discusses the impact of inhaled anesthesia on global warming in the July issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia, according to news release by the International Anesthesia Research Society.

Advertisement

Susan Ryan, MD, a clinical professor of anesthesiology at the University of California, San Francisco, analyzed the three inhaled gases most commonly chosen in ORs in North America and Europe, and identified sevoflurane as the gas which has the smallest carbon footprint.

Desflurane has the longest “lifetime” in the atmosphere and isoflurane falls in the middle.

In the Anesthesia & Analgesia article, “Anesthetic Gases Vented Unchanged Into Atmosphere,” Dr. Ryan and a computer scientist analyzed “infrared absorption cross-sections” to calculate the global warming potential.

Read the International Anesthesia Research Society news release on anesthetic global warming impact.

At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Anesthesia

Advertisement

Comments are closed.