Reducing Delirium After Cardiac Surgery: A Multifaceted Approach Of Perioperative Care

The objective of this study is to reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium after cardiac surgery in the elderly patient. This proposal is a clinical trial designed to reduce delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery by replacing standard postoperative sedation protocols (propofol, midazolam, opioids) with a new alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist (dexmedetomidine) possessing sedative, analgesic, and antinociceptive properties. Resource utilization analysis will be performed to determine cost effectiveness of the new treatment modality.