Studying Dexmedetomidine Sedation Effects on Cognitive Recovery After Cardiac Surgery in Older Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the use of Dexmedetomidine DEX, a sedative drug, to see if it can prevent long-term memory and thinking problems after cardiac surgery. These cognitive problems, known as postoperative cognitive dysfunction POCD, often occur after anesthesia and surgery, especially heart surgery, and can lead to longer hospital stays and loss of independence. This trial aims to evaluate whether DEX can improve recovery and reduce these cognitive issues in older adults undergoing certain types of heart surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group will receive a loading dose of Dexmedetomidine before moving to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit CVICU, followed by a continuous infusion for up to 12 hours or until they are ready to leave the CVICU. The other group will receive standard sedation care as decided by their doctor. This study is double-blind and conducted at multiple sites. During the study, participants will be monitored for delirium, memory and cognitive function, depression, pain at the surgical site, and recovery at several time points including up to 12 months after surgery. Hospital outcomes such as length of stay, complications, opioid use, and survival will also be tracked. Cognitive tests and questionnaires will be done before surgery and during follow-up visits to measure the effects of the treatment over time.

Cognitive Outcomes After Dexmedetomidine Sedation in Cardiac Surgery Patients