Can Mathematical Modeling Explain the Measured Magnitude of the Second Gas Effect?

Conclusions Modeling of ventilation-perfusion inhomogeneity confirms that the second gas effect is greater in blood than in expired gas. Gas-based minimum alveolar concentration readings may therefore underestimate the depth of anesthesia during nitrous oxide anesthesia with volatile agents. The effect on minimum alveolar concentration is likely to be most pronounced for the less soluble volatile agents in current use.
Source: Anesthesiology - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research