Session Introduction
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:
- Describe the use of inhalational anaesthetic (volatile) agents for the maintenance of anaesthesia
- Define the concept of minimum alveolar concentration (MAC)
- Identify those factors that alter MAC for a volatile agent
- Describe the relationship between lipid solubility and MAC values of volatile agents
- Discuss factors affecting the speed of onset of anaesthesia
- Describe the common side-effects of inhalational agents, particularly on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
