Comparing Desflurane and Propofol Anesthesia to Reduce Major Heart Problems After Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate whether the inhaled anesthetic desflurane provides heart protection and reduces the chance of serious major cardiac events after coronary artery bypass graft CABG surgery compared to the intravenous anesthetic propofol. Cardiac surgery carries high risks of severe complications that influence patient outcomes, and current evidence on the benefits of inhaled anesthetics in this setting is inconsistent. The study is a large, national, multi-center, randomized controlled trial enrolling elective CABG patients to determine the best anesthesia approach for reducing complications and mortality. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving inhaled desflurane anesthesia maintained at 0.5-2 MAC with specific timing protocols during surgery, and the other receiving total intravenous anesthesia with propofol infusion at 3-8 mgkgh without inhaled anesthetics. Desflurane is given with careful dosing to maximize cardioprotective effects, including protocols for wash-in and wash-out if needed. Propofol is administered via targeted infusion or manual adjustment. Both groups undergo routine induction before anesthesia maintenance. During the study, participants will be closely monitored for major cardiac events and death within 30 days after surgery. Researchers will also track complications such as pulmonary, kidney, and neurological issues, length of ventilation and ICU stay, hospital readmissions, and mortality up to 90 days. Assessments include clinical evaluations and outcomes related to cardiac surgery recovery. The study lasts through hospitalization and includes follow-up for up to one year for some measures to understand long-term effects and safety.

Desflurane vs. Propofol for Cardiac Anesthesia