Geriatric patients undergoing general anesthesia face a significant challenge, with the induction phase contributing to 50% of hypotensive events.

Titrated anesthesia, involving gradual drug administration, suits elderly induction. However, propofol in titrated anesthesia tends to induce hypotension. In contrast, Ciprofol (HSK3486), a novel anesthetic, reduces hypotension during induction. This study compares hypotension incidences during induction and post-induction phases, agitation rates during recovery, perioperative awareness, postoperative delirium, and parameters in elderly patients induced with Ciprofol versus propofol through titrated anesthesia. The goal is to clarify a medically optimized anesthesia protocol for elderly patients during titrated anesthesia induction in general anesthesia.

As the global population ages, there is a growing demand for surgical interventions among the elderly. However, this demographic is concurrently faced with an increased susceptibility to postoperative complications. Notably, the geriatric population undergoing general anesthesia exhibits a higher incidence of hypotension, intricately linked with a spectrum of postoperative issues. The induction phase of general anesthesia, constituting 50% of hypotensive events, presents a significant challenge in mitigating hypotension.

Titrated anesthesia, characterized by gradual and individualized drug administration, emerges as a suitable approach for the induction of general anesthesia in the elderly. Nevertheless, the administration of propofol through titrated anesthesia maintains an observable tendency to induce hypotension.

In contrast, Ciprofol (HSK3486), a novel anesthetic agent, demonstrates a reduced propensity for precipitating hypotension during the induction of anesthesia. This investigative study aims to meticulously examine and compare the incidences of hypotension during both the induction and post-induction phases. Furthermore, it endeavors to delineate differences in the rates of agitation during the recovery phase, perioperative awareness, postoperative delirium, and other relevant parameters among elderly patients induced with ciprofol versus propofol via titrated anesthesia.

A sample size of 80 patients in each group will be selected by a prior power analysis on the basis of the following assumptions: (1) the rate of hypotension in group Propofol was 57%; and 30%in group Cipropfol (2)α=0.05, (4) power 90% and .(5) missed follow-up rate 12%.

After obtaining informed consent, all participants will be randomized to one of the trial groups using a stratified method. A 20G catheter will be inserted into the radial artery before anesthesia induction. Vital signs will be recorded from 3 minutes before general induction until 15 minutes after tracheal intubation. Participants in Group P will undergo induction with propofol, starting at a rate of 15mg/kg/h until loss of consciousness, followed by an adjustment to a slower infusion rate. In contrast, Group C will receive ciprofol at a rate of 3mg/kg/h. Following the intervention period, all participants will receive sevoflurane and remifentanil until the conclusion of the surgery. Both groups will be followed up for 7 days postoperatively to assess perioperative awareness, postoperative delirium, quality of recovery, and postoperative complications.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 65 years and age < 90 years.
• ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status classification 1-3.
• Scheduled for elective general anesthesia surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants already enrolled in other studies or those already assigned in this study .
• BMI (Body Mass Index) ≤ 18 or ≥ 30 kg/m2.
• Preoperative assessment indicating a challenging airway or a risk of aspiration, requiring a slow induction for intubation.
• Presence of severe liver or kidney disease (GFR ≤ 30 ml/min/1.73m2 or requiring renal replacement therapy; Child-Pugh class C for liver function).
• Patients with severe uncontrolled hypertension (preoperative SBP ≥ 180 mmHg or DBP ≥ 110 mmHg).
• Individuals with arrhythmias and severe valvular diseases, including high-degree atrioventricular block (Mobitz type II or third-degree block); symptomatic bradycardia; symptomatic ventricular arrhythmias; prolonged Q-T interval; supraventricular arrhythmias combined with an uncontrolled ventricular rate > 100 bpm (at rest); new-onset ventricular tachycardia; uncontrolled atrial fibrillation (ventricular rate ≥ 110 bpm); atrial flutter; severe aortic valve stenosis (mean pressure gradient > 40 mmHg; valve area < 1 cm2; symptomatic); severe mitral valve stenosis (progressive breathlessness during exertion; exertional syncope; heart failure).
• Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, severe cognitive impairment, intellectual disability, hearing impairment.
• Individuals with a history of alcoholism or long-term use of sedatives and analgesics.
• Previous allergic reactions to medications used in this study.
• Individuals already under vasoconstrictor treatment before anesthesia induction.