The FDA-approved indications for desflurane are induction or maintenance of anesthesia in adults. It may also be used for maintenance of anesthesia in pediatric patients following induction with agents other than desflurane. Desflurane is a racemic mixture of two enantiomers. Desflurane (1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether) was first synthesized in the 1970s, it is halogenated exclusively with fluorine, and is very resistant to defluorination.[1] For this reason, it is not associated with nephrotoxicity, as is the case with other inhalational anesthetic agents.  When first introduced, desflurane was difficult to synthesize and expensive, limiting its use, but given its low blood solubility and rapid induction, it became more popular. It has the most rapid onset of the inhalational anesthetics, but the higher cost of desflurane limits its use compared to other agents.

The mechanism of action of the inhalational agents is still unclear. Inhalational anesthetics are thought to work via interaction with different ion channels that are present throughout the central and peripheral nervous system, by blocking excitatory channels and enhancing the activity of inhibitory channels. Other proposed mechanisms are that these agents work by affecting the membrane bilayer. The structure of desflurane is similar to that of isoflurane except for the addition of a fluorine atom. This addition changes the physical properties of desflurane compared to other inhalational agents. The vapor pressure of desflurane at 20 degrees Celsius is 681 mm Hg, with a boiling point of 22.8 degrees Celsius. Desflurane requires the use of a temperature controlled, pressure regulated vaporizer, as opposed to variable bypass vaporizer. The molecular weight of desflurane is 168 grams, and a very small percentage of the anesthetic is metabolized by the body, in comparison to other inhalational agents.

Desflurane administration is via the inhalational route. It has a pungent odor, making it difficult to use for the induction of general anesthesia. It is used most commonly for maintenance of general anesthesia after induction with an IV or another inhalational agent. Minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of desflurane is 6.0% in the 31-65 year age group, and 7.25% in the 18-30 year age group. The blood/gas partition coefficient of desflurane is 0.42, making it even less soluble than nitrous oxide which has a blood/gas partition coefficient of 0.47. Desflurane can cause very rapid induction and emergence from anesthesia given its low blood solubility. This quality allows the alveolar concentration to approach the inspired concentration of desflurane much more quickly, permitting rapid titration of anesthetic levels. Emergence with desflurane after an hour-long case can take around six minutes, in contrast to sevoflurane which can take up to 18 minutes. Desflurane's vapor pressure, 681mm Hg at sea level, is significantly higher than the other inhalational anesthetics and leads to a boiling point near room temperature. Its high vapor pressure and low boiling point led to the creation of a special desflurane vaporizer. This vaporizer pressurizes desflurane to 1500 mm Hg, which is roughly two atmospheres of pressure and warms it to 40 degrees Celsius, allowing optimal control of the concentration of anesthetic delivered to the patient. Desflurane vaporizers are electrically powered heat devices.

Desflurane, along with the other inhalational agents, sevoflurane and isoflurane, is a potent vasodilator and can cause a decrease in blood pressure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance (SVR). A concomitant increase in heart rate sometimes occurs. Cardiac output is typically preserved with the use of this agent. Desflurane dilates cerebral arteries and causes a decrease in cerebral metabolic rate. Desflurane also causes an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP), like other inhalational anesthetics. This increase in ICP can be targeted by hyperventilation and hypocapnia in a patient as carbon dioxide (CO2) autoregulation is maintained with use. There is also a dose-related depression in electroencephalogram (EEG) activity with the use of desflurane.  When used for the maintenance of anesthesia in the pediatric population, after induction with another inhalational agent, desflurane was associated with an increased rate of emergence delirium.

Rapid increases in the concentration of desflurane can cause a transient but clinically significant elevation in heart rate and blood pressure. These effects are secondary to catecholamine release, which is more pronounced with desflurane than isoflurane or sevoflurane. This resulting sympathetic response is controllable by concurrent administration of esmolol, clonidine, or use of an opioid. Slowing the rate of increase in the concentration of desflurane can also decrease the catecholamine release. Volatile anesthetics promote skeletal muscle relaxation and enhance the effects of neuromuscular blocking agents. Desflurane enhances the effects of rocuronium, greater than either sevoflurane, isoflurane or intravenous anesthetics. As with all inhaled anesthetics, there is a decrease in the ventilatory response to CO2.[2]

Desflurane contraindications include induction of anesthesia in nonintubated pediatric patients because of a high incidence of moderate to severe upper airway adverse events. Pediatric patients are at high risk of laryngospasm[3]. Desflurane is also contraindicated in patients with known or suspected susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia. If the patient has a history of moderate to severe hepatic impairment following general anesthesia with desflurane, use of desflurane should be avoided. Additionally, if a patient has intracranial hypertension, desflurane is contraindicated, as is the case with all such volatile agents.[4]