Direct Cerebrovasodilatory Effects of Halothane, Isoflurane, and Desflurane during Propofol-induced Isoelectric Electroencephalogram in Humans

Abstract

Abstract Background The effect of volatile anesthetics on cerebral blood flow depends on the balance between the agent's direct vasodilatory action and the indirect vasoconstrictive action mediated by flow-metabolism coupling. To compare the intrinsic action of volatile anesthetics, the effect of halothane, isoflurane, and desflurane on flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery during propofol-induced isoelectricity of the electroencephalogram was examined.