For the quickest onset of a volatile agent without considering potency, which agent is most suitable?

The most suitable volatile agent for the quickest onset, without considering potency, is Desflurane. This is primarily due to its low blood-gas partition coefficient, which allows for rapid delivery to the brain and quicker induction of anesthesia. The lower the blood-gas partition coefficient, the faster the drug equilibrates between the alveoli and the blood, facilitating a swift onset of action.

Desflurane’s unique properties make it ideal for situations where rapid changes in anesthesia depth are required, such as in outpatient surgeries or cases where quick recovery is essential. Its physical characteristics contribute to a fast uptake and elimination compared to other agents.

Other agents, while they may have their own advantages, do not achieve the same rapid onset as Desflurane. For instance, Enflurane and Isoflurane have higher blood-gas partition coefficients, leading to a slower induction time. Sevoflurane, although it provides a relatively quick onset as well, still does not match the speed of Desflurane. Therefore, in contexts focusing solely on the onset speed, Desflurane is the preferred choice.