Abstract

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is increasingly being performed for management of peripheral artery disease. Patients undergoing PTA experience significant intraoperative and post operative pain. This study compared the anaesthetic efficacy of dexmedetomidine and midazolam, when combined with fentanyl in patients undergoing PTA. Material and Methods: Hundred patients posted for lower limb PTA were randomized into two groups receiving either intermittent midazolam boluses (0.03–0.05 mg/kg) (M group) or dexmedetomidine 0.3–0.6 µg/kg/h after a loading dose of 1.0 µg/kg for 10 min (D group), both with fentanyl. The primary outcome was the patients’ procedural satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included postprocedural VAS scores and adverse effects. Results: The satisfaction level of patients was significantly better in the D group compared with the M group (4.0 [3.0, 5.0] versus 4.0 [2.0, 5.0] p = 0.021). The number of patients having a postprocedural VAS score of at least 4 was significantly higher in the M group compared with the D group (10 [20%] versus 2 [4%], p = 0.013). Adverse events and hemodynamic parameters did not defer between the two groups, Conclusion: The use of dexmedetomidine in along with fentanyl may be a safer option that provides excellent patient satisfaction while decreasing postprocedural pain.

Description