MAC (Minimum Alveolar Concentration)

Minimum Alveolar Concentration (MAC) is a measurement used in anesthesiology to determine the potency of inhaled anesthetic gases. It represents the concentration of anesthetic in the lungs needed to prevent movement in 50% of patients in response to a surgical stimulus. A lower MAC indicates a more potent anesthetic. MAC helps clinicians compare different anesthetics and tailor dosages to ensure patients remain comfortable and safely sedated during procedures, balancing effective anesthesia with minimal drug exposure.