Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2007

Mentor: Sam T. (John) Sum-Ping
Department: Anesthesiology and Pain Management
Room number: Dallas VA 5B-309
Mail Code: 9068
Phone number: 214-857-1818
E-mail: sam.sum-ping@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Safety and Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine in Fiberoptic Intubations

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): IRB 05-090

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable):

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects)
Patient-based research

Brief Description of Project:
The purpose of this study is to explore an FDA-approved sedative and its application in the operating room for fiberoptic intubation. The primary hypothesis is that dexmedetomidine is a safe and effective agent for use during fiberoptic intubations.

The objectives of this study are to assess the effectiveness and the safety of dexmedetomidine when used for fiberoptic intubation procedures. Comparing patient vital signs at three-minute intervals and documenting the amount of concomitant medications administered during the study period will assess the safety of dexmedetomidine. Efficacy of dexmedetomidine is assessed through though comparing the time of dexmedetomidine administration to time of intubation between control and experimental groups. Documenting the number of intubation attempts and determining the level of patient satisfaction following extubation will also assess the efficacy of dexmedetomidine. It is hypothesized that patients who are given dexmedetomidine will have more stable vital signs, will use less midazolam, fentanyl and propofol, are intubated quicker, and will have higher satisfaction ratings when compared to a control group.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

None

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