Pittsburgh-based UPMC plans to phase out the use of the anesthetic desflurane over the next several months, eliminating it systemwide by the end of 2023.
The elimination is being done in a step toward environmental sustainability, according to a Sept. 25 press release.
Desflurane, a commonly used general anesthetic, is a greenhouse gas that harms the ozone layer. Its alternatives are recognized as safe, effective and more environmentally friendly.
"As one of the largest academic health systems that also includes community and rural practices across the entire state, the impact of such a change in practice brings needed awareness of environmental impact to all segments of health care," Aman Mahajan, MD, chair of the department of anesthesiology and perioperative medicine, said in the release. "It's important that UPMC is leading efforts like this toward sustainability where we drive change to improve the environment, the health of our patients and the communities they live in."