Inhaled Sevoflurane Compared to Intravenous Sedation Post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Sevoflurane, an inhaled anesthetic is currently recommended for anesthesia during coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Inhaled sevoflurane during CABG reduces postoperative Troponin levels and may be associated with improved outcome. A dose-response effect of Sevoflurane cardioprotection has been demonstrated by de Hert et al, with greatest reductions of Troponin when Sevoflurane was used during the entire operation, as compared to Sevoflurane during parts of the operation or not at all.

Postoperative sedation after CABG is currently achieved with intravenous propofol.

Sevoflurane, as other inhaled anesthetic agents, is sedative in low doses. A new simplified method of administration of isoflurane or sevoflurane has been developed and tested by members of the research group. The Anesthetic Conserving Device (AnaConDa®) is a modified heat-moisture exchanger (HME) that permits direct infusion of sevoflurane to the airway, where it is vaporized in an evaporator rod in the device. Studies of isoflurane sedation with the AnaConDa® have shown good sedation effects and short wake-up times.

The primary aim (and primary hypothesis)of the current trial is to examine if postoperative sedation with sevoflurane after CABG is associated with improved cardiac outcome, measured as reduced levels of Troponin, BNP and reduced incidence of cardiac events, such as atrial fibrillation, need for inotropic drugs and myocardial infarction, compared with conventional propofol sedation.

Other end-points of the trial are potential renal (protective) effects measured with cystatin C levels, need for dialysis but also measurements of inorganic fluorides in serum, as well as environmental aspects of sevoflurane sedation in a Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit. Furthermore, potential differences in ICU memories and well-being during stay in the intensive Care Unit will be investigated via patient questionnaires.

Besides routine blood sampling, plasma will be saved for later analysis of inflammatory mediators (biobank).

Methods:

120 patients planned for CABG (without valve surgery) will be enrolled in the trial. Patients with malignant hyperthermia are excluded, as well as patients with need for mechanical circulation support.

Routine anesthesia and CABG will be followed by randomisation to either inhaled sevoflurane or intravenous propofol. Patients will be transferred from the operating room to the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CICU)with propofol sedation. Upon arrival to the CICU sedation will according to randomisation will replace propofol.

Thereafter patients will be kept sedated according to the MAAS Scale until vital parameters are stable and extubation criteria are fulfilled or for a maximum of 48 hours. Time from arrival at CICU to extubation, as well as time from termination of sedative to extubation will be measured. Total time in CICU will be recorded as well as time from arrival to discharge criteria are fulfilled.

Troponin, BNP, Creatinine, Cystatin C, CRP will be measured before CABG, and at regular time intervals postoperatively. A blood sample for storage of plasma will be taken 12 hours postoperatively, preliminary for measurement of interleukin activity as this may be attenuated by inhaled anesthetics. Hemodynamics will be recorded during CICU care, as well as need for inotropic drugs, cardioversion, arrythmias or adverse events.

Environment will be monitored with dosimeter measurements and with spectrophotometry.

After extubation patients will be monitored regarding cognitive recovery during the first hour. When discharged from the CICU, patients will receive a questionnaire in order to describe the memory panorama from the ICU stay after 1-2 days.