Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 10, 103-113, Copyright © 1963 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

Methoxyflurane (Penthrane): A Report of 1,200 Cases

¹ Department of Anaesthesia, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, B.C., and the Faculty of Medicine, Section of Anaesthesia, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C.

Our clinical experience with the administration of over 1,200 anaesthetics using the new halogenated anaesthetic agent methoxyflurane (Penthrane) has been very favourable and it is a popular agent in this hospital.

The induction period is similar in length to that of ethyl ether, but always smooth because it is non-irritating.

We have made observations on induction, maintenance, and emergence, and have added our recommendation for assisted or controlled respiration in the management of anaesthesia with this agent. Monitoring of the cardiovascular response is essential to appreciate the depth of anaesthesia. We have noted stability of cardiac rhythm, with cardiac depression appearing to be a more gradual phenomenon than that seen with halothane.

A very smooth maintenance can usually be achieved, and, with added experience, the length of emergence can approach that of other agents currently used.

The non-explosive qualities are important, and we particularly feel that the use of methoxyflurane is indicated in the management of anaesthesia for open-heart surgery.

We are now using methoxyflurane in a large proportion of our cases undergoing anaesthesia, for patients of all ages and all risks, and have found no contraindications to its use.

Material for this paper was originally gathered in March 1962. Since that time, we have continued to use methoxyflurane very satisfactorily, and have now administered the agent to over three thousand cases. We have had no cause to change our original opinions.