Summary and Conclusion
The administration of halothane-ether azeotropic mixture to the surgical patients included in this study produced no lespiratory depression, no acid-base disturbances, a clear-cut hyperglycaemia, bradycardia, a definite reduction in peripheral resistance, and an elevated cardiac output The above observations suggest an absence of significant myocardial depression with the azeotrope when used in normal clinical concentrations A sustained increase m myocardial efficiency is produced, which might be beneficial in teims of visceral perfusion In our opinion, cardiac sympathetic nerves and beta leceptors are not blocked by the halothane fraction, their activation by the ether fraction being a major factor of safety for the heart Mutual corrective effects of these two fractions result in a sound, balanced anaesthetic state
So far halothane-ether and methoxy flurane have been shown to differ in many lespects In the future, it will be possible to sitress with more precision the indications for each For the time being, what we appreciate most m methoxy flurane is its wide margin of safety and the remarkable stability it gives to haemodynamics during maintenance What we appreciate most in the azeotiope is its flexibility (at the price, it is true, of a somewhat narrowei margin of safety) and the preservation of a warm, pink, and dry patient who, to the satisfaction of all concerned, will fall asleep quickly and will rapidly awaken from sleep
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Dery, R., Pelletier, J. & Jacques, A. Comparison of cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic effects of halothane-ether azeotropic mixture with those of methoxyflurane anaesthesia in man. Can Anaes Soc J 11, 394–409 (1964). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03003423
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03003423