Xenon is occasionally described as the closest approach to an ideal inhalational anaesthetic. Which statement about xenon is CORRECT?
- A It has a MAC of 63% and produces slow, delayed emergence
- B It undergoes substantial hepatic metabolism to inorganic fluoride
- C It is highly explosive in mixtures with oxygen, mandating special delivery systems
- D It has a MAC of about 71%, the lowest blood:gas partition coefficient of any inhalational agent, and near-complete cardiovascular stability, with cost and limited potency being its main drawbacks ✓
Correct answer: D. It has a MAC of about 71%, the lowest blood:gas partition coefficient of any inhalational agent, and near-complete cardiovascular stability, with cost and limited potency being its main drawbacks
Explanation
Xenon has a MAC of roughly 71%, a blood:gas coefficient of about 0.115, the lowest of all inhalational agents, giving extremely rapid emergence. It is chemically inert, undergoes no metabolism, and causes minimal change in heart rate, blood pressure or cardiac output. Cyclopropane, not xenon, is the flammable agent, and cost plus low potency restrict routine use.
Reference: Miller's Anesthesia, 9th ed.
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