Methods
We retrospectively included all AF ablation procedures performed in
2020: 23 patients sedated with 1% propofol (2 ml bolus followed by
infusion starting at 1 mg/Kg/h), 26 patients with dexmedetomidine
(infusion starting at 0.7 mcg/Kg/h). Both groups additionally received 1
mcg/Kg of midazolam as a single bolus and 0.05 mg single boluses of
fentanyl prior to ablation on each pair of pulmonary veins (PV). Primary
outcomes were oxygen desaturation (<90%) or need for assisted
ventilation/intubation, bradycardia (heart rate <45 bpm) and
persistent hypotension (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg).