Inhalational anesthetics in the intensive care unit.

Intravenous (IV) sedation is convenient, and many different IV agents are used. They are not always effective, however, and there are disadvantages to every intravenous agent used in clinical practice. Inhalational anesthetics are a useful alternative and have specific advantages. Further technologic refinements in the technique of inhalational sedation of mechanically ventilated patients may lead to wider clinical applications.