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Xenon: The Future Anaesthetic Agent
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Why is it important?
After the discovery of xenon in 1898, xenon anaesthesia has been studied for decades. The search for an inert gas to replace N2O led to introduction of xenon in anaesthesia practice. Xenon’s anaesthetic properties were discovered in 1939. Since then, a number of studies of xenon anaesthesia have been conducted. The anaesthetic properties of xenon is mainly conferred by the inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the central nervous system. Xenon is an inert gas and, theoretically, is not metabolized to toxic metabolites, does not react with absorbent, and does not deplete vitamin B12, as opposed to other inhaled agents. Xenon is described as having many of the characteristics of an ideal inhalational anaesthetic agent, including rapid induction and emergence, analgesic properties, cardiovascular stability, and neuroprotective qualities. It is non-flammable, non-explosive, non-toxic, devoid of teratogenic effects and does not contribute to the greenhouse effect. Clinically, there are certain disadvantages to xenon anaesthesia. Because of its high density, xenon was found to increase airway resistance and work of breathing in an animal study. Nevertheless, it may be a good choice for high-risk patients with unstable haemodynamics, cardiovascular diseases, expected prolonged recovery from anaesthesia, or advanced age. Moreover, the high cost of xenon associated with its production has discouraged more widespread use. This article reviews the benefits and drawbacks of xenon anaesthesia, and discusses future perspectives.
Perspectives
After the discovery of xenon in 1898, xenon anaesthesia has been studied for decades. The search for an inert gas to replace N2O led to introduction of xenon in anaesthesia practice. Xenon’s anaesthetic properties were discovered in 1939. Since then, a number of studies of xenon anaesthesia have been conducted. The anaesthetic properties of xenon is mainly conferred by the inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the central nervous system. Xenon is an inert gas and, theoretically, is not metabolized to toxic metabolites, does not react with absorbent, and does not deplete vitamin B12, as opposed to other inhaled agents. Xenon is described as having many of the characteristics of an ideal inhalational anaesthetic agent, including rapid induction and emergence, analgesic properties, cardiovascular stability, and neuroprotective qualities. It is non-flammable, non-explosive, non-toxic, devoid of teratogenic effects and does not contribute to the greenhouse effect. Clinically, there are certain disadvantages to xenon anaesthesia. Because of its high density, xenon was found to increase airway resistance and work of breathing in an animal study. Nevertheless, it may be a good choice for high-risk patients with unstable haemodynamics, cardiovascular diseases, expected prolonged recovery from anaesthesia, or advanced age. Moreover, the high cost of xenon associated with its production has discouraged more widespread use. This article reviews the benefits and drawbacks of xenon anaesthesia, and discusses future perspectives.
Red Flower Publication Publications
Red Flower Publication Pvt Ltd
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This page is a summary of: Xenon: The Future Anaesthetic Agent, Indian Journal of Anaesthesia and Analgesia, January 2018, Red Flower Publication Private, Ltd.,
DOI: 10.21088/ijaa.2349.8471.5318.23.
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