Dexmedetomidine for the Control of Post-Operative Pain in Thoracotomy Patients
Post-operative Pain, Respiratory Depression
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Post-operative Pain focused on measuring Dexmedetomidine, Sedation, Opioid, Respiratory depression
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I, II or III Undergoing thoracic surgery on an inpatient basis Age 18 up to 85 years of age Exclusion Criteria: Subject is pregnant and/or lactating Subject has a serious Central Nervous System (CNS)pathology/trauma that, per clinical judgment of the investigator, precludes responsiveness or survival. Subject for whom alpha-2 agonists are contraindicated Subject meets any of the following cardiovascular criteria: Acute unstable angina (defined during current hospital stay) Suspicion of acute myocardial infarction. Considered to have a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 30%.Decision to exclude is predicated in the Investigator's opinion, and may be based on any combination of acute presentations, recently preformed diagnostic studies, or a history that suggests poor cardiac function. Pulmonary congestion of a non-cardiac origin or mild congestive failure primarily attributable to etiologies other than poor ventricular function are not exclusion criteria. Subject has participated in a trial with any experimental drug within 30 days prior to enrollment in the study, or has ever been enrolled in this study. Subject is unable to undergo any procedures required by the protocol. Subject has acute hepatitis, a history or presence of chronic hepatitis, and /or has had a positive result for Hepatitis B surface antigen test. Subject requires dialysis (e.g., hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, CVVHD). Subject has a known, uncontrolled seizure disorder. Subject has a known psychiatric illness that could confound a normal response to sedative treatment. Subject is terminally ill with a life duration expectancy of < 60 days. Subject has a history of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Oxygen saturation is < 90% on room air. Subject is on beta blocker medication.
Sites / Locations
- Baylor University Medical Center - Department of Anesthesiology
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Placebo Comparator
Active Comparator
Normal Saline
Dexmedetomidine
One group (placebo comparator) will receive a normal saline infusion, set at a rate as if it were the active drug.
The second group (the study group) will receive a continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine titrated from 0.1 - 0.5 mics/kg/h to control pain for up to 24 hours after they are admitted to an open nursing unit after discharge from the PACU or ICU