Intranasal Dexmedetomidine and Perioperative Myocardial Injury

PCI is the standard treatment for CAD, yet perioperative myocardial injury occurs frequently in nearly 40% of patients. Perioperative stress and sympathetic overactivation break myocardial oxygen balance and lead to cardiac damage, which further raises short-term cardiovascular events and long-term mortality risks. Dexmedetomidine exerts cardioprotective effects by inhibiting sympathetic excitation, though intravenous use carries risks of hypotension and bradycardia. Intranasal dexmedetomidine shows equivalent efficacy with fewer side effects and better patient compliance. Since no standard perioperative anesthesia regimen exists for elective PCI patients and the clinical benefits of dexmedetomidine remain unconfirmed, this pilot study is designed to test the feasibility and safety of intranasal dexmedetomidine spray before launching large formal RCTs.