| Abstract: | Until recently, there had been no simple, accurate, and reliable technique for monitoring depth of anesthesia, but now a monitoring system that measures lower esophageal contractility (LEC) is available. The system consists of a monitor and a disposable esophageal stethoscope equipped with provoking and measuring balloons. Since the brain stem directly controls the motor function of the esophagus, LEC was postulated to reflect the anesthetic state of the patient. Multiple-center clinical studies have shown that LEC correlates significantly with administered levels of intravenous and inhalation anesthetic agents and patient responses to surgical stimulation. Monitoring LEC permits the clinician to administer the dose of drug needed without the complications associated with "too deep" or "too light" anesthesia. |
