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 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.
