BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to compare the hemodynamic effects between desflurane inhalation and endotracheal intubation, and to evaluate the intensity of airway irritation by desflurane inhalation of high concentration.

METHODS: Twenty adult patients with ASA 1 were enrolled in this study. Radial artery was catheterized and heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured throughout the study. Anesthesia was induced by propofol and effect site concentration of propofol was maintained at 4µg/ml using target controlled infusor (TCI). Peak HR and MAP following tracheal intubation were recorded and inhalation of 12 vol% desflurane was started after HR and MAP had been returned to pre-intubation value. The HR, MAP, inspiratory (Fi) and end-tidal fraction (Et) were observed after desflurane inhalation for 10 minutes.

RESULTS: The HR and MAP were significantly increased after tracheal intubation and desflurane inhalation, and the peak hemodynamic change after desflurane inhalation was significantly delayed as compared to tracheal intubation. The maximal HR change from baseline after tracheal intubation or desflurane inhalation was not different, but maximal MAP change was significantly lower during desflurane inhalation compared with tracheal intubation. The maximal change of HR and MAP when end-tidal fraction of desflurane had been reached 6 vol% was lower than that of tracheal intubation or desflurane inhalation.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite of propofol administration required for general anesthesia, the HR and MAP were significantly increased during desflurane inhalation of high concentration. In particular, the extent of HR increase during desflurane inhalation was similar to that by tracheal intubation.