1. For Induction of Anesthesia. There is renewed interest in mask induction of anesthesia (especially pediatric patients) using sevoflurane (which is poorly soluble and nonpungent).
2. For Maintenance of Anesthesia
   1. Because of their ease of administration and ability to adjust (titrate) the dose, volatile anesthetics remain the most popular drugs for maintenance of anesthesia.
   2. The current volatile anesthetics have specific drawbacks (Table 17-5: Drawbacks of Current Volatile Anesthetics).

Inhaled Anesthetics

1. Pharmacokinetic Principles
2. Clinical Overview of Current Inhaled Anesthetics
3. Neuropharmacology of Inhaled Anesthetics
4. The Circulatory System
5. The Pulmonary System
6. Hepatic Effects
7. Neuromuscular System and Malignant Hyperthermia
8. Genetic Effects, Obstetric Use, and Effects on Fetal Development
9. Anesthetic Degradation by Carbon Dioxide Absorbers
10. Anesthetic Metabolism
11. Clinical Utility of Volatile Anesthetics
12. Pharmacoeconomics and Value-Based Decisions