ICU sedation, delirium & recovery
Volatile Anesthetics: A Comprehensive Review of Pharmacology, Delivery Systems, and Safety Considerations for ICU Practitioners
Authors' conclusion
VAs can be used as sedative agents in the ICU.
Study context
- Population
- Adult ICU patients receiving volatile anesthetic sedation
Methodological detailsLiterature identified through PubMed and MEDLINE; original research, reviews, commentaries and guidelines on volatile anesthetics (VAs) in adult ICU patients included
- Literature identified through PubMed and MEDLINE; original research, reviews, commentaries and guidelines on VAs in adult ICU patients included
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
- VAs are halogenated hydrocarbons; mechanism of action not fully understood; CNS is primary site of action
- End-tidal concentration of exhaled anesthetic used to monitor clinical effects
- Unique pharmacokinetics, minimal metabolism, distinct recovery
- Two inhalational sedation delivery systems available internationally, one under evaluation in the US; composed of miniature vaporizer, delivery controller and monitor
Safety
Side effect profile
- Malignant hyperthermia the most feared, yet rare complication
- Delivery systems have distinct safety considerations, e.g. tidal volume limits
Original publication
Volatile Anesthetics: A Comprehensive Review of Pharmacology, Delivery Systems, and Safety Considerations for ICU Practitioners. Crit Care Med. Published 16 January 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →