The Effect of N2O Administration on Arterial Oxygenation

Nitrous oxide is a standard part of most anaesthetic breathing mixtures. It has often been assumed that it reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the lower parts of the lung. However the results of previous studies and of some computer modelling suggests the opposite may be true, and that oxygen levels in the blood are actually higher with nitrous oxide. This study seeks to determine whether nitrous oxide increases or decreases blood oxygen levels in anaesthetized patients.