Ancillary Effects of Dexmedetomidine Sedation After Cardiac Surgery

Ancillary Effects of Dexmedetomidine Sedation After Cardiac Surgery

Ancillary Effects of Dexmedetomidine Sedation After Cardiac Surgery

The investigator goal is to evaluate the effects of intraoperative and postoperative dexmedetomidine sedation (versus placebo after cardiac surgery.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18-85 years old;
2. Scheduled for cardiac surgery with bypass (CABG, valve, or combined);
3. Able to provide a written informed consent;
4. Hemodynamically stable (heart rate>= 55).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Sick sinus syndrome or Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
2. Atrio-ventricular block
3. Hypersensitivity or known allergy to dexmedetomidine
4. Hepatic disease, e.g. twice the normal level of liver enzymes
5. Atrial fibrillation within 1 preoperative month;
6. Permanent pacemaker;
7. Use of amiodarone or dexmedetomidine within the last 30 days;
8. Patients with an ejection fraction under 30% or who had severe heart failure
9. Myocardial infarction in the previ¬ous 7 days;
10. Body mass index =< 40 (BMI= mass (kg) / height (m)2);
11. Those taking clonidine within last 48 hours.