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Two most common anesthesia techniques used in the United States are intravenous and inhalation. Intravenous anesthetics or commonly known as IVAs are delivered to the lungs by means of the infusion pump, whereas inhalation anesthesia or commonly called inhalation anesthetics are inhaled directly into the nose. The inhalation method is less popular than the intravenous method mainly because of the difficulty in determining the exact drug concentration needed for effective anesthesia. Several studies and clinical trials have focused on determining the efficacy of both types of anesthesia techniques. For instance, in November 2020, a new clinical trial, The Volatile vs Total intravenous Anesthesia for major non-cardiac surgery (VITAL) trial was launched to compare two types of anesthetic to determine how soon after surgery they allow patients to return home. The trail will compare two methods of delivering anesthesia to a patient: inhalation and intravenous.

The main functions of inhalation anesthesia are to relieve chest pain, provide relief to the airways in asthma and reduce the amount of sepsis (severe respiratory distress) in critically ill patients. The mechanism of action is quite similar to that of different drugs in the field of medication wherein it effects the different tissues in the body to produce a desired effect. It affects the muscles, ligaments and tissues in the airways by blocking the airway. Inhalation anesthetics are also referred to as antidepressants because it affects the brain chemical systems such as those responsible for depression and anxiety.

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