Sevoflurane for induction and intubation in children undergoing congenital cardiac surgery.

ABSTRACT

The induction and intubation characteristics of sevoflurane were studied prospectively in 23 children, aged 3 months to 6 years (mean 24 +/- 20.25), undergoing repair of congenital cardiac defects. After premedication with syrup chloral hydrate (75mg/kg orally), anaesthesia was induced with 8% sevoflurane and 50% nitrous oxide in oxygen. Nasal endotracheal intubation was performed once the pupils were small and central, without the use of neuromuscular blocking agents or opioids. Characteristics of induction and intubating conditions were recorded. Induction time (from application of face mask to loss of eyelash reflex) was 43.7 +/- 4.57 secs (mean +/- SD). Mean intubation time was 149.1 +/- 15.6 secs. Intubating conditions were excellent in 21 patients (91.3%) and good in 2 patients (80.7%). Haemodynamic parameters (heart rate, rhythm, and systolic blood pressure) were recorded at loss of eyelash reflex, immediately before intubation and at 1, 3 and 5 min after intubation. All children remained haemodynamically stable throughout induction and there were no adverse airway events.