How does xenon produce anaesthesia

The major volatile anaesthetics are based on chlorofluorocarbons CFCs and are known to deplete the ozone layer; in addition, nitrous oxide is times more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, taking years to break down.

The amount of nitrous oxide released as an anaesthetic contributes 0. The attention that the Xenon Study Group has recently given to xenon anaesthesia is deserved; we have further highlighted its potential clinical applications and exemplary safety record. Xenon has notable pharmacokinetic, cardiostable, neuroprotective and analgesic advantages over other anaesthetics, and further clinical trials are warranted to evaluate its effectiveness in the operating theatre and critical care unit.

As delivery technology develops, xenon will become a more viable option in the anaesthetic armamentarium. Professor Maze is a board member of an Imperial College spin-out company Protexeon Ltd that is interested in developing clinical applications for medical gases, including xenon. Professor Maze is a paid consultant in this activity.

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Measuring the xenon anaesthetic state. Minimum alveolar concentration. Clinical features. Xenon: no stranger to anaesthesia.

Sanders , R. Corresponding author. Both Professor Franks and Professor Maze are paid consultants in this activity. Oxford Academic.

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