Proper Target Concentration of Fentanyl during Endotracheal Intubation with a CACI (Computer Assisted Continuous Infusion) in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Kim, Jae Hyung; Min, Sang Ki; Park, Sung Yong; Yoon, Cherry; Lee, Sook Young; Kim, Jin Soo; Hong, Yong Woo

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The computer-assisted continuous infusion (CACI) system was developed to more rapidly attain and to maintain stable effect-site fentanyl concentrations as compared with the intermittent injection method. The CACI system allows the anesthesiologist to control effect-site fentanyl concentrations during various surgical stimuli during cardiac anesthesia. This system can rapidly control the depth of anesthesia and compensate for the disadvantages of IV anesthesia. Early patient recovery also enables early tracheal extubation, which is an important component of the "fast track" cardiac surgery pathway. In this study, the use of a target-controlled infusion of low-dose propofol was combined with the target-controlled infusion of fentanyl for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the proper effect-site concentration of fentanyl for the tracheal intubation of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
METHODS
Fifty patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft surgery were included, and randomly allocated to group L (effect-site fentanyl concentration = 5 ng/ml, n = 25) or group H (effect-site fentanyl concentration = 7.5 ng/ml, n = 25). Anesthesia was induced and maintained by the computer-controlled infusions of propofol and fentanyl. Hemodynamics and other variables were recorded preinduction, and before and 1 minute after intubation.
RESULTS
The two groups were compared with regard to demographic and perioperative data. The two groups were similar demographically, and no significant differences was found in any hemodynamic parameter at any time between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Both fentanyl regimens provided stable hemodynamics and adequate anesthesia in patients during endotracheal intubation. It is reasonable to say that the lower dose of fentanyl (5 ng/ml) may be the better choice, because it provides the same level of anesthesia during endotracheal intubation during coronary artery bypass graft surgery.