Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 9/8/2008

Question
How long ago did flammable agents like diethyl ether, vinyl ether, cyclopropane, etc., disappear from practice in favor of the non-flammable fluorinated ethers?  Other than their low cost, did the obsolete agents have any pharmacologic advantages over their modern counterparts?

Answer
Hi Joel
ether was till used around the world (indeed it was the commonest agent used) until the late 1980's. This was because it was used extensively in thrid world countries. In the UK I know there were small pockets of people using it in the early 1980's probably up until 1985 though I'm not sure when it was officially withdrawn. Somewhere around 1988 I think though it might have been later.
Cyclopropane was still available in 1989 as I used it in the UK. I have cannot recall when it was withdrawn.

Advantages?
Cyclopropane was (is) still the fastest induction agent and was far superior for inhalation induction than even sevoflurane.
Ether was remarkably safe and it was very difficult to overdose a patient hence the extensive use in third world countries.

However they did have huge disadvantages and I am sure the dates of withdrawl will be available on the internet
Dr Ian Jackson