Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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The aim of this review of the literature was to evaluate the effectiveness of anesthetics in protecting the heart against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. ⋯ There is increasing evidence of anesthetic agent-induced protection. At present, isoflurane, sevoflurane and morphine appear to be most promising as preconditioning-inducing agents. After the onset of ischemia, propofol could be selected to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury. Future clinical application depends on the full elucidation of the underlying mechanisms and on clinical outcome trials.