The Use of Cisatracurium in Cardiac Surgery

The introduction of neuromuscular blockers (NMBs) has revolutionized the practice of general anaesthesia, ushering in a new era where anaesthesia is conceptualized as a triad comprising narcosis, analgesia, and muscle relaxation. NMBs play a vital role in surgeries by facilitating tracheal intubation, preventing the movement of body and diaphragm, control of ventilation at normal partial pressure of carbon dioxide and counteraction of narcotic-induced truncal rigidity. However, the absence of specific guidelines for the selection and utilization of particular NMBs in various surgical contexts has led to inconsistencies within the healthcare system. Thus, a deep and thorough understanding of pharmacological aspects of NMBs is required for the selection and usage of particular NMB in clinical setting. Ideal NMBs are characterized by rapid onset, non-cumulative effects, independence from renal or hepatic function for elimination, rapid reversibility, and minimal adverse side effects. Among several NMBs, cisatracurium, an isomer of atracurium is a non-depolarizing intermediate-acting with characteristic features of high potency, smaller dosage requirement, no histamine release, no cardiovascular effects and elimination via organ-independent Hofmann reaction. Innumerable clinical experiments and trials suggest cisatracurium as safe, cost-effective, and better molecule with predictable recovery and no postoperative residual paralysis in comparison to other NMBs such as rocuronium, vecuronium, and pancuronium. In this review, we aimed to provide critical insights on the properties of NMBs first and then focused on the use of cisatracurium in cardiac surgeries.