Nitrous oxide anaesthesia and cardiac morbidity in major surgery [ 2007 - 2011 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Paul Myles (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Brendan Silbert ,  Prof Kate Leslie ,  Prof Michael Paech ,  Prof Philip Peyton

Brief description Nitrrous oxide is an anaesthtic gas that has been in use for more than 160 years. It has been considered a safe and cheap drug, but newer anaesthetic drugs and improvements in technology provide alternatives that might be safer. Our recent research has found some potentialy serious (but rare) complications associated with nitrous oxide. These are more likely to occur in people with existing heart disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety of nitrous oxide in such people. When considering its widespread use in about 90% of all surgery in Australia (and around the world), small differences in outcome would have major implications for healthcare delivery. A large well-designed study is necessary to answer this question. We plan to study 7,000 patients having major surgery from around the world.

Funding Amount $AUD 2,952,623.44

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant