Comparison of Two Sedation Regimens for Awake Fiberoptic Intubation

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of different sedation drugs used for the awake fiberoptic intubation procedure. Benzodiazapines and narcotics (such as midazolam and fentanyl) are standard drugs used for sedation during awake fiberoptic intubation. Dexmedetomidine, midazolam, and fentanyl are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) procedural sedation. These drugs might be given to the patient regardless of their participation in the study.

In addition to midazolam and fentanyl study subjects will also receive either dexmedetomidine or a placebo (a salt solution that contains no drug). It is believed that dexmedetomidine will not slow down breathing as much as the combination of the valium-like drug and narcotic. In our study, we are trying to determine if this is the best drug for sedation during an awake fiberoptic procedure.