Abstract
Xenon's anesthetic properties were discovered in 1946. Since then, a number of studies of xenon anesthesia have been conducted. Xenon is currently approved for clinical use as an anesthetic in Europe and may be approved in Japan in the future. Xenon has many of the properties of an ideal inhalational agent, including rapid induction and emergence, analgesic properties, cardiovascular stability, and neuroprotective qualities. On the other hand, the high cost of xenon associated with its production has discouraged more widespread use. This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of xenon anesthesia, and discusses future perspectives.
