La caracterización de la profundidad de la anestesia durante las infusiones controladas a objetivo: No es un trabajo fácil / Characterizing depth of anesthesia during target-controlled infusions: Not an easy job

ABSTRACT

Availability of powerful intravenous hypnotics and opioids with specific pharmacokinetic profiles, including rapid onset and short duration of action has allowed the development and popularization of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). Due to its safety, rapid titrability, quick recovery with better operating room efficiency, and a low incidence of nausea and vomiting, TIVA has become a valid alternative to inhaled general anesthesia. There are several modes of TIVA administration that range from the simple intermittent injection of small boluses of hypnotics with or without opioids to the infusion of anesthetics using complex computerized infusion pumps. Target-controlled infusion (TCI) TIVA consists of the administration of intravenous anesthetics according to their pharmacokinetic profiles in order to maintain desired concentration of the drugs in the central compartment (effect-site concentration).