Abstract
Currently used methods of sedation for fiberoptic intubation such as benzodiazepines, propofol, or opioids have their limitations. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that has been used clinically for its sympatholytic, analgesic, and sedative properties. We report on 4 patients with particularly difficult airways who underwent successful awake fiberoptic intubation with DEX. Dexmedetomidine was used to provide a moderate level of conscious sedation without causing respiratory distress or hemodynamic instability during fiberoptic intubation.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Airway Obstruction / complications*
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Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / complications
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Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / therapeutic use
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Cervical Vertebrae / injuries
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Conscious Sedation / methods*
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Craniocerebral Trauma / complications
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Dexmedetomidine / therapeutic use*
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Fiber Optic Technology / methods*
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Humans
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Intervertebral Disc Displacement / complications
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Intubation, Intratracheal / methods*
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Neck Injuries / complications
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Thyroid Diseases / complications
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Thyroid Diseases / surgery
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Thyroid Gland / diagnostic imaging
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Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
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Wakefulness / drug effects*
Substances
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Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
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Dexmedetomidine