Desflurane is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential of more than 2,500 times that of carbon dioxide.
In its place, Geisinger will utilize anesthesia gasses with lower global warming impacts. The system has already discontinued desflurane at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and is expected to discontinue usage systemwide throughout the rest of 2024.
Several other major health systems have also targeted pollutant anesthetic gasses as a way to reduce their climate footprints in 2024.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.