Remimazolam Versus Propofol for Anesthesia with I-Gel Airway Management During Coil Embolization of Unruptured...

Background: Maintaining hemodynamic stability is crucial during coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Remimazolam has been suggested to exert less cardiovascular depression than propofol and may therefore provide more stable hemodynamic conditions. This study compared the hemodynamic effects of remimazolam and propofol when used for anesthesia induction and maintenance in patients undergoing coil embolization with I-gel airway management. Methods: In this single-center, randomized study, adults undergoing elective coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysms were assigned to remimazolam or propofol induction followed by I-gel insertion. The primary outcome was the peak-to-nadir systolic blood pressure difference during the peri-induction period. Secondary outcomes included the peak-to-nadir mean arterial pressure difference, lowest systolic and mean arterial pressures, the incidence of hypotension, vasoactive drug requirements, and recovery outcomes. Results: Of the 50 patients randomized, 46 were included in the analysis, including 22 in the remimazolam group and 24 in the propofol group. The peri-induction peak-to-nadir systolic blood pressure difference was smaller with remimazolam than with propofol (38.2 ± 13.2 vs. 51.7 ± 13.4 mmHg, p = 0.001). The peak-to-nadir mean arterial pressure difference was also smaller, while the lowest systolic and mean arterial pressures were higher, with remimazolam. The incidence of hypotension was lower with remimazolam (40.9% vs. 87.5%, p = 0.002), with correspondingly lower requirements for ephedrine and norepinephrine. Conclusions: Remimazolam-based anesthesia was associated with a smaller peri-induction peak-to-nadir systolic blood pressure difference, a lower incidence of hypotension, and less frequent vasoactive drug use than propofol during I-gel-facilitated anesthesia for unruptured intracranial aneurysm coil embolization. These findings suggest a favorable hemodynamic profile in this setting and support further evaluation in larger trials.