Efficacy and Safety of Dexmedetomidine in the Analgesic Prophylaxis , in Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery

This project is a prospective, double-blinded and randomized clinical trial. Eligible participants are assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group (Group Dexmedetomidine) or control group (Group Saline 0,9%), after written informed consent to be obtained. The patients will undergo elective cardiac surgery, with extracorporeal circulation. In the operating room, patients will be monitored for pulse oximetry, invasive blood pressure, electrocardiograms, capnography, central venous pressure and nasopharyngeal temperature probe. Induction of anesthesia is performed with intravenous midazolam, fentanyl, etomidate and neuromuscular blocking agent. Anesthesia is maintained with sevoflurane. Dexmedetomidine, at the rate of 0,3μg/ kg/h, or placebo will be infused from the initiation of the anesthesia up to the end of the procedure, except during the cardiopulmonary by-pass. Placebo is a 0,9% saline. The follow up of the assessment of the groups will extend to the postoperative ICU, where data will be collected, during the first 24 hours after surgery.