Use of isoflurane for sedation in intensive care

Abstract

Isoflurane is a fluorinated ether that is closely related to enflurane. It has a low blood gas coefficient such that alterations in the concentration administered rapidly result in changes in the depth of anesthesia or sedation. Although primarily used as an anesthetic, isoflurane has many of the desirable properties of an ideal sedative agent for use in an ICU. We report the prolonged use of isoflurane in three critically ill patients.