Overview
cognitive complaints, pain
MALIGNANT TUMORS, SYSTEMIC DISEASE
Patients were eligible for the study if they were (1) diagnosed with AF, (2) at least 18 years old, (3) undergoing their initial RFCA procedure, and (4) willing to participate in the study. Patients were excluded if they had (1) severe systemic diseases such as malignant tumors, (2) a history of mental illness and cognitive complaints, and (3) difficulty understanding the questionnaire and the study aims. They were also excluded if they experienced drastic changes in their condition during RFCA.Sample size calculations were conducted using PASS 2021 (NCSS LLC) software and based on previous studies [All patients underwent a standardized RFCA procedure for AF with a 3D mapping system (CARTO 3, Biosense Webster) and were provided with standardized information about the study and the potential benefits and risks of the interventions. Both groups received the same sedative regimen during RFCA, which was adjusted by the interventional physician based on the patient's response to the medication and reported pain levels. The regimen included a single dose of parecoxib (40 mg), fentanyl (1 mcg/kg/hour), and dexmedetomidine as necessary, with dosing adjustments made in accordance with standard pain management procedures at our institution. The fentanyl maintenance infusion rate ranged from 0 to 2 mcg/kg/hour, while the dexmedetomidine maintenance infusion rate ranged from 0 to 1 mcg/kg/hour.