Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist, is a sedative that is widely used in various clinical
settings because, compared to benzodiazepines, it preserves respiratory function better and
its duration of action is short.
Recent experimental studies showed a possibility that dexmedetomidine may have an
organoprotective effect from ischemic-reperfusion injury by reducing inflammatory response.
Besides, dexmedetomidine is known to be related with attenuated sympathetic tone and improved
microcirculation.
Taken together, it is plausible that dexmedetomidine exerts cardioprotection in patients
undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp.
The aim of this trial is to test the effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative cardiac
troponin I measurements in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.