Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Dexmedetomidine for conscious sedation in difficult awake fiberoptic intubation cases
Sergio D Bergese1, Babak Khabiri, William D Roberts
1Department of Anesthesiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210-1228, USA. sergio.bergese@osumc.edu
Abstract:
Currently used methods of sedation for fiberoptic intubation such as benzodiazepines, propofol, or opioids have their limitations. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that has been used clinically for its sympatholytic, analgesic, and sedative properties. We report on 4 patients with particularly difficult airways who underwent successful awake fiberoptic intubation with DEX. Dexmedetomidine was used to provide a moderate level of conscious sedation without causing respiratory distress or hemodynamic instability during fiberoptic intubation.
Related Concept Videos
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Sedatives and Hypnotics: Overview
Sedative-hypnotics are categorized into barbiturates, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and non-benzodiazepines or Z-drugs. These drugs work by suppressing central nervous system activity, and this suppression is dose-dependent. Older sedative medications, like barbiturates, follow a linear curve in...
Stages of General Anesthesia
Endotracheal Intubation II: Nursing Management
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Barbiturates

