Proper use of CONTRAfluran? for optimal desorption and reuse of volatile anaesthetics. Comment on Br J Anaesth 2022; 129: e79-81

Editor—We read with interest the correspondence ‘Efficiency of inhaled anaesthetic recapture in clinical practice’. 1 Hinterberg J. Beffart T. Gabriel A. et al. Efficiency of inhaled anaesthetic recapture in clinical practice. Br J Anaesth. 2022; 129: e79-e81 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (19) Google Scholar We broadly agree with the general conclusion that the fraction of recovery of desflurane is, at first glance, rather disappointing and reveals both the opportunities and limitations of the technology to mitigate its ecologic effects. CONTRAfluran™ (ZeoSys, Luckenwalde, Germany) gas capture technology has two main purposes: prevention of release of volatile anaesthetics into the atmosphere and recovery of valuable volatile anaesthetics for reuse. We have, however, two basic remarks on the methodology of this study. The efficiency of activated carbon in adsorbing volatile anaesthetics and facilitating recycling is contingent on two factors. Firstly, the recovery process is suboptimal when the canisters are not used until full. Secondly, a clear distinction must be made between the amount of anaesthetic prevented from polluting and the amount fully recycled, as this impacts the efficiency calculation. Our research group from Ghent University on sustainability in healthcare was provided more detailed data by the scientists at ZeoSys on the desorption and recovery process. This information is important to quantify the efficiency of the desorption process and its overall environmental impact more accurately. Efficiency of inhaled anaesthetic recapture in clinical practiceBritish Journal of AnaesthesiaVol. 129Issue 4PreviewEditor—An excess of human-generated carbon dioxide emissions has caused climate change since the Industrial Revolution. Methane, nitrous oxide, and halogenated hydrocarbons continue to contribute to the warming of the atmosphere. To quantify these effects, the global warming capacity of each of these agents can be referenced to carbon dioxide and expressed as CO2e footprint. Anaesthesiologists have recognised their ecological responsibility and have discussed how to decrease the CO2e footprint of anaesthetic gases. Full-Text PDF Open Archive