Four Forgotten Giants of Anesthesia History

Abstract

The anesthesiology profession may one day serve as a cautionary tale of how power, politics and privilege can perturb science and progress. Previous anesthesia practitioners possessed a superior understanding of physiology and pharmacology, but overenthusiastic CO₂ supplementation with inadequate monitors and machines caused asphyxiation disasters that were improperly attributed to CO₂ toxicity. Dr. Ralph Waters founded the anesthesiology profession on the basis of a practical new anesthetic technique that introduced elective intubation and hyperventilation to eliminate CO₂ toxicity, but mechanical hyperventilation dangerously depletes CO₂ tissue reserves and exaggerates morbidity and mortality. The benefits of CO₂ supplementations were forgotten, and consequent CO₂ confusion has derailed research, discouraged opioid treatment, damaged patient safety, and disrupted professional progress. Anesthesiologists can no longer claim to provide superior service, and hospital administrators are replacing them with nurses. Professional membership is in decline, and professional survival is in question. Modern machines have eliminated asphyxiation, and modern monitoring enables safe and beneficial hypercarbia that complements opioid treatment and minimizes surgical morbidity and mortality. CO₂ reform promises revolutionary advance but faces formidable opposition.