Final answer:
The potency of an inhaled anesthetic is indicated by its minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). Lower MAC values demonstrate higher potency, requiring less of the anesthetic to achieve the desired effect. Desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane are some of the commonly used, less flammable anesthetic gases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The value that indicates the potency of an inhaled anesthetic is its minimum alveolar concentration (MAC). MAC is a clinically used measure to compare the strengths, or potency, of anesthetic gases. It is defined as the concentration of the anesthetic in the lungs that is needed to prevent movement in 50% of individuals in response to a surgical stimulus. The lower the MAC, the more potent the anesthetic agent is, meaning that less of the agent is required to achieve anesthesia. Commonly used volatile anesthetics today include desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, which are less flammable and often considered safer than older agents such as diethyl ether.
Certain inhalational anesthetic substances, such as diethyl ether, have been replaced by newer agents due to safety concerns. For example, diethyl ether is highly flammable and can cause nausea, while newer fluorine-containing compounds, despite being less flammable, have potential health risks for operating room personnel, such as an increased rate of miscarriages associated with halothane exposure.