Utility of Dexmedetomidine in Sedation for Radiofrequency Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

The utility of dexmedetomidine (DEX) as an adjunct to conventional procedural sedation using midazolam and fentanyl was evaluated in 11 adult patients undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of atrial fibrillation. In a subsequent comparison to 11 demographically matched controls (n = 22) that previously received only midazolam- and fentanyl-based sedation, no significant differences in consumption of midazolam (median, 5 vs 10 mg; P = .3), fentanyl (median, 275 vs 400 mcg, P = .2), respiratory parameters, and procedural outcome were found. However, median reductions of arterial blood pressure were significant: systolic (−26.1 vs −16.7 mm Hg, P = .006), diastolic (−26.7 vs −2.9 mm Hg, P = .01), and mean (−25.8 vs −8.5 mm Hg, P = .006). Reductions of blood pressure limited utility of DEX as adjunct in sedation for RFCA of atrial fibrillation.