Although there may be many other variations today, there are a few main types of fluorinated anesthetics. They are sevoflurane, desflurane, and isoflurane. Although we will not go into detail on the various types of fluorinated anesthetics, each possess characteristics that may not be found in the others. However there is little research that would indicate a particular preference.

It’s a little known fact, but fluorinated anesthetics have been around for over 40 years and some argue that they revolutionized standard operating practices. Fluorinated anesthetics were initially used over traditional anesthetics because they are inflammable. Before fluorinated anesthetics fires were pretty common in an operating room. Fortunately fires within the operating are no longer a major issue, yet studies have shown that there are many new benefits of this particular type of anesthetic.

Fluorinated anesthetics have been known to come upon patients rapidly and with ease. Typically these anesthetics render patients unconscious through inhalation. This technique is considered more practical and simplistic versus anesthetics that must be injected. Although fluorinated anesthetics can be administered through an IV, usually, these anesthetics must be breathed and re-breathed and since fluorinated anesthetics are odorless getting patients to inhale is easy. And, due to breathing and re-breathing, administering the anesthesia is fairly simple. Hospital staff and patients don’t have to deal with the issues generated other anesthetics such the tubes getting in the way or restricting movement.

Studies have also shown that patients that are given fluorinated anesthetics experience fewer if any side effects as a result of use. Before the use of fluorinated anesthetics, patients would commonly suffer side effects such as nausea or vomiting as a result of the anesthesia. Fluorinated anesthetics have been proven to be safe in children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Fluorinated anesthetics are also said to relax the muscles. This benefit is probably the one that most are familiar with as this feature allows patients t be calm and relaxed even before the actual surgery. For most people, surgery is a nerve wrecking ordeal and often anxieties cause the body to react in ways that are not ideal for surgery. For example, the patients may have a slightly higher blood pressure than normal or start to shake uncontrollably.

Another benefit would be the quick recovery time patients experience versus other anesthetics. Although there are conflicting studies on how quickly patients who were given fluorinated anesthetics were able to recover before those who were given other types of anesthetics. Typically, the research has shown that patients recover somewhere between 3-10 minutes sooner. And, many patients began to recover as soon as they are allowed to inhale and exhale naturally. So, in essence once the patient begins to exhale, they can start to regain consciousness. Unlike many other types of anesthesia, fluorinated anesthetics have also been know to allow patients to be alert, instead fling lingering grogginess and disorientation.

For the hospital, fluorinated anesthetics are much more economical choice over other anesthetics. There are no special storing requirements and these types of anesthetics have a longer shelf life than many of their counterparts. Also, there is no need to for the hospital to purchase any additional equipment, as fluorinated anesthetics are easy to transport; and, their effect on patients can be monitored with existing equipment. Although it has not been researched, there is a good chance that fluorinated anesthetics have also played apart in the development of surgical procedures being performed in a more time effective manner. Since the onset for these anesthetics are rapid and the recover is quicker, surgeries such as outpatient procedures are probably completed in a much more swiftly. Thus, allowing more procedures to be scheduled.

It should be noted that patients will react to any type of anesthesia differently, and you may wish to consult with an anesthesiologist if you will be having a surgical procedure performed. There is no doubt that fluorinated anesthetics have changed the landscape of surgical procedures. And. The benefits for these anesthetics can be seen by both quantitative and qualitative measures, from the money saved to the quality of patient care during surgery. Yet despite the fact and figures, being able to efficiently and effective treat patients is what matters most.

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About Author: Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about issues and topics pertaining to the use of chemicals such as Fluorochemicals.