Xenon anaesthesia: from mythe to reality.

Objective: To analyze the current knowledge concerning xenon anaesthesia. Data sources: References were obtained from computerized bibliographic rese arch (Medline(R)), recent review articles, the library of the service and p ersonal files. Study selection: All categories of articles on this topic have been selecte d. Data extraction: Articles have been analysed for history, biophysics, pharm acology, toxicity and environmental effects and using prospect. Data synthesis: The noble gas xenon has anaesthetic properties that have be en recognized 50 years ago. Xenon is receiving renewed interest because it has many characteristics of an ideal anaesthetic. In addition to its lack o f effects on cardiovascular system, xenon has a low solubility enabling fas ter induction of and emergence from anaesthesia than with other inhalationa l agents. Nevertheless, at present, the cost and rarety of xenon limit its widespread use in clinical practice. The development of closed rebreathing system that allowed recycling of xenon and therefore reducing its waste has led to a recent interest in this gas. Reducing its cost will help xenon to find its place among anaesthetic agents. An European multicentric clinical trial under submission will contribute to the discussion of the opportunit y for xenon introduction in anaesthesia. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.