I also have never heard of this drug until now, but a little research shows it is used in research animals in many countries. Unsure about cats in particular.
As an aside, be advised there are generally no unsafe anesthetic drugs, only unsafe anesthetists. In the right animal, under the right circumstances and indications, most drugs may be safely used. It would behoove all pet owners to learn a little about anesthetic delivery and methodology. See my blog on this topic here:
http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/index/931217
It is tragic that death is the result of what should be a quick, minor procedure, the neutering of a male cat, often performed successfully in mobile clinics (in a van) in the US. Pulmonary edema post neutering? It's shocking. You deserve an explanation, and a refund.