Effect of Ketamine on Analgesia Post-Cardiac Surgery

Pilot Study: The Effect of Intraoperative Ketamine on Analgesia Post-Cardiac Surgery and Prevention of Chronic Pain

Randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study evaluating the effect of an intraoperative infusion of intravenous Ketamine on the quantity of opioid consumed postoperatively in coronary artery bypass surgery patients receiving a median sternotomy.

This is a randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study to determine the effectiveness of intraoperative Ketamine administration on pain after coronary artery bypass surgery. Patients will be randomized to receive ketamine or saline prior to incision, with a continuous infusion throughout surgery. Opioid dose administered in the first 48 hours will then be documented as the primary outcome

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients 18 years of age or older coming for coronary artery bypass surgery with a left ventricular ejection fraction over 50% and able to consent prior to surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Minimally invasive cardiac surgery
• Preoperative opioid use
• Preoperative hepatic or renal dysfunction