GasGasGas - The FRCA Primary Exam Podcast

GasGasGas - Sevoflurane

5 snips
Nov 14, 2025
Dive into the fascinating world of Sevoflurane, a go-to volatile anesthetic! Discover its smooth induction properties and mild environmental impact compared to other agents. Learn about its unique breakdown products and the challenges of stability in storage. The podcast also tackles intriguing topics like its cardiovascular effects, respiratory benefits, and how it interacts at the molecular level. Plus, find out about its history, pharmacokinetics, and clinical implications, making it vital for any aspiring anesthetist!
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ANECDOTE

Early Trainee Anxiety Over Dosing

  • Dr Gas Lurks recalls early anesthetics with anxious volatile dose swings and fear of overdosing during induction.
  • He attributes the volatility of his dosing to not fully understanding agent compartment behaviour at the time.
INSIGHT

Sevoflurane's Chemical Identity And History

  • Sevoflurane is a polyfluorinated isopropyl methyl ether with seven fluorines and is widely used clinically.
  • It became popular later than isoflurane because it was harder to manufacture, reaching Western markets in the 1990s.
ADVICE

Prevent Sevoflurane-Vaporizer Reactions

  • Avoid using dry sevoflurane with metallic or glass vaporizers and Lewis-acid materials because it can produce corrosive products.
  • Ensure commercial sevoflurane contains moisture (e.g., ~300 ppm) and use compatible vaporizers to prevent degradation.
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