Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial of the Postoperative Opioid Sparing Effects of Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine Infusion for Thoracic Surgery

Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients ( ≥ 21 years old) scheduled for Thoracic Surgery Exclusion Criteria: * 2nd or 3rd degree heart block as assessed by preoperative EKG * Use of dexmedetomidine within 28 days prior to day of surgery * Use of long acting opioids pre-operatively 28 days prior to day of surgery * Current or past diagnosis of a Major Psychiatric disorder precluding adequate outcome responses such as Schizophrenia, dementia, delirium etc. as recorded in the Pre-Operative Record. * Documentation of congestive heart failure and Ejection fraction \< 30% if recorded in the Pre-Operative Record. * Planned use of an epidural for surgery or post-operative pain relief * Contraindication to use of NSAID, Acetaminophen or IV opioids. * Any known hypersensitivity to dexmedetomidine * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Abnormal liver function tests as related to the MSK guidelines for use of IV Acetaminophen Yes or NO?; Is ALT greater than 2 x Upper Limit of Normal (\> 75 U/L)? * Abnormal renal function tests as related to contraindications to use of IV Ketorolac Yes or No?; Is Serum Creatinine \< 1.5 mg/dl?