Evidence-Based Project: Cost Savings and Reduction in Environmental Release With Low-Flow Anesthesia.

Volatile anesthetic agents act as greenhouse gases. Low-flow anesthesia techniques (≤1 L/min) are associated with lower costs. Decreasing volatile anesthetic delivery provides safe and effective strategies for anesthesia providers to decrease costs and reduce environmental pollution.

Course: Update for Nurse Anesthetists-Optimizing Mechanical Ventilation During General Anesthesia.

Optimal mechanical ventilatory support is a vital component of intraoperative anesthesia care, lung protection, and minimizing postoperative pulmonary sequela. Although concepts surrounding ventilation can be multifaceted and ambiguous, a pragmatic approach coupled with contemporary evidence and skilled assessments will facilitate ideal intraoperative management. Effective mechanical ventilation is dependent on obtaining the best pulmonary mechanics, including compliance, resistance, and gas exchange.