Comparative assessment of IV acetaminophen and conscious sedation for pain relief during invasive cardiac procedures

Although current consensus in the field of Interventional Cardiology allows for pain medications to be administered at the discretion of the operator, oftentimes, the standard is a cocktail of a benzodiazepine and a narcotic to achieve conscious sedation. Such medications often lead to less than ideal outcomes with longer times to ambulation, delayed discharge and in many cases, drug addiction. This practicum study evaluates the effects of IV acetaminophen (Tylenol) on breakthrough pain during invasive heart procedures in order to replace the current standard of moderate sedation. The results indicate that not only is IV Tylenol as effective as midazolam and fentanyl combined, but it causes a significant decrease in pain response as well.