Volatile capture technology in the operating room: How does it work, what are the technical limitations and what does it mean for clinical practice?

Volatile anaesthetics (VA) are potent greenhouse gases and a major contributor to the environmental footprint of the operating room. Vapour capture technology (VCT) is a promising technique for reducing the environmental impact of VA. This review provides an overview of the different types of VCT and their limitations. It evaluates the current evidence for the different techniques in simulated, laboratory and clinical settings. Finally, practical recommendations for more environmentally friendly VA-based anaesthesia with VCT are presented.