Pharmacokinetics as applied to total intravenous anaesthesia. Practical implications.

In six patients undergoing gynaecological surgery computer assisted total intravenous anaesthesia (CATIA) was performed using etomidate and alfentanil. Constant plasma levels of etomidate (0.3 microgram/ml) from the very beginning onwards were achieved using the so called B.E.T. infusion scheme. Alfentanil plasma concentrations of 0.45 microgram/ml were maintained by the same infusion scheme beginning with skin incision until 20 minutes prior to the end of surgery. The proposed concept of CATIA provided an adequate analgesic and hypnotic effect during anaesthesia for abdominal surgery with a recovery period of short duration.