DExmedetomidine in Cardiac surgical Intraoperative Drug Evaluation

Confusion or delirium after heart surgery is surprisingly common, especially in older adults, and can have a lasting impact on memory and quality of life. This study is testing whether a sedative medication called dexmedetomidine — already routinely used during and after surgery — can help reduce the likelihood of developing delirium following cardiac surgery. The trial is enrolling patients aged 65 and older who are undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (heart-lung bypass). Participants will receive either dexmedetomidine or a placebo after surgery, and researchers will monitor them for signs of delirium and cognitive changes in the days and weeks following the operation. You may be eligible if you are 65 or older and are scheduled for cardiac bypass surgery and do not have a prior diagnosis of dementia. This research could help doctors find a simple way to protect the brains of older patients during one of the most physically demanding types of surgery.