Desflurane and Isoflurane Have Similar Effects on Cerebral Blood Flow in Patients with Intracranial Mass Lesions

Background: Before desflurane is advocated for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures, it is necessary to determine the effect of desflurane on cerebral blood flow (CBF). In this study, CBF values are compared between desflurane and isoflurane at two doses. In addition, CBF reactivity to CO 2 and the effect of prolonged exposure were compared between the two agents. Methods: Cerebral blood flow measurements with intravenous 133 Xe were performed in 24 patients undergoing craniotomy for mass lesions, randomized to receive either isoflurane or desflurane in oxygen and air