Abstract
TCI (target-controlled infusion) and anesthetic management based on effect-site concentration are now widely used. Remifentanil, which was released this year, has many advantages for anesthetic management based on pharmacokinetics because it has rapid onset, is short-acting, and does not accumulate. Since the effect-site concentration of remifentanil becomes fixed during continuous infusion, TCI is frequently accomplished without conscious effort. Both lean body mass and age affect effect-site concentration based on pharmacokinetics and these effects will therefore be explained in this paper with the presentation of concrete cases and using the results of pharmacokinetic simulation. The advantages and downsides of remifentanil will also be outlined, and an infusion method resembling TCI and TCI will be introduced.
