Modern day Anesthesia
Then vs. now
- Isoflurane and sevoflurane have both been used throughout history. Today, they are used as anesthetics for laboratory animals. Isoflurane is also known as halogenated ether.
- Nitrous oxide is used today as well. However, its role has changed throughout history. It is no longer used as a single anesthetic, but instead as a side medication that lowers the dose of the actual anesthesia used. Cisatracurium besylate, which is "related" to atracurium, is also used as a supplement to general anesthesia.
- Novocaine (procaine)and halothane are still used in major surgeries.
- Ethyl chloride is no longer used in major surgeries but still as an anesthetic for injections and minor sports injuries.
- Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter drug.
- Cyclopropane and cocaine are no longer used in medical practice anymore.
- Intravenous injections are used (IV bags) to administer drugs, which are usually a combination of isoflurane or desflurane with nitrous oxide.
- Endotracheal tubes nowadays are uncuffed, not cuffed.
- Boyle's machine, which contained flow meters and vaporizers, is used today.
- The Magill forceps, rubber gloves, Guedel airway, Tuohy epidural needle, pulmonary artery catheter, RAE endotracheal tubes, and the Sprotte needle are still in use today.
now vs. now
- Ketamine is used today in a variety of ways. Ketamine was discovered in 1965, yet it was not deemed safe because it produced hallucinogenic visions. Today, it is combined with other anesthetics to reduce the side effects it causes.
- Propofol is a modern-day anesthesia used for laboratory animals.
- Other modern-day anesthetics include Valium, lidocaine cream, NSAIDS, opioid drugs, avertin, and anticholinergics.