Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygen Consumption in Man during Electroencephalographic Seizure Patterns Associated with Ethrane Anesthesia

Abnormal electroencephalographic patterns occurred in some patients during clinical testing of a new general anesthetic, Ohio 347 (Ethrane; 2-chloro-l, l, 2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether). Despite these patterns, recovery from general anesthesia was prompt, and no mental or psychological sequelae were detected. In view of the other advantages of the agent, the decision was made to continue clinical testing and attempt to define the cerebral effects of the drug more quantitatively. With this in mind the following studies were undertaken.