Clinical impressions and cardiorespiratory effects of a new fluorinated inhalation anaesthetic, desflurane (I-653), in volunteers.

The new volatile anaesthetic, desflurane (I-653), was administered to 10 healthy, unpremedicated young male volunteers in order to determine its cardiorespiratory effects and the characteristics and acceptability of its inhalation. All volunteers breathed either sub-anaesthetic (1.8% inspired) or anaesthetic (5.4% inspired) concentrations of the anaesthetic without coughing, breath-holding, salivation or other untoward respiratory response. Respiratory minute volume and alveolar ventilation decreased and ventilatory rate increased. Systemic arterial pressure decreased (diastolic more than systolic) and heart rate remained unchanged. Cardiac rhythm remained unaltered, except in one volunteer who experienced a single premature atrial contraction. Volunteers stated that the odour of desflurane was not irritating or unpleasant. Exposure to the agent for approximately 90 min resulted in rapid and clear-headed recovery.