Pharmacologic and technologic updates in office-based anesthesia practice

Abstract

Several anesthetic agents including propofol and sevoflurane are relatively new arrivals to the office-based practice. The pharmacokinetics of propofol compare favorably to methohexital. If the latter returns to the marketplace, it can be mixed with propofol to incorporate the “best qualities” of both. The induction doses for both are similar whether for deep sedation or general anesthesia. If anything, higher doses of propofol are needed to accomplish the same clinical endpoint. Programmable pumps are available and an efficient method of delivering either propofol or a mixture of propofol/methohexital.