This book is the result of the efforts of the speakers and chairmen of two EuroSIVA meetings held in Barcelona and Amsterdam in 1998 and 1999, respectively. The manuscripts, brought together give an overview of the presentations at these meetings, offering insights into advances in intravenous anaesthesia science and the application of scientific data to clinical practice. The text is divided into four sections, on the modelling of anaesthetic action with special interest in the effect site; the perioperative use of intravenous hypnotic agents; the state of the art of neuromuscular blockade; and opioids as used for perioperative pain relief. It should be useful to all anaesthesiologists and pharmacologists involved in the science and clinical application of anaesthesia.
