The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane inhibits activation of neutrophil granulocytes during simulated extracorporeal circulation

► Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) induces granulocyte activation associated with systemic inflammation. ► The volatile anesthetic sevoflurane inhibits granulocyte activation during ex vivo ECC. ► Sevoflurane has the potential to decrease the ECC-triggered inflammatory response in clinical routine.