Fast-Track Recovery

Fast-track cardiac care (FTCC) encompasses the entire spectrum of perioperative care for the cardiothoracic surgical patient. From the preoperative assessment to postoperative care, the main goal is to expedite recovery while minimizing the inherent risks associated with cardiac surgery. The practice of prolonged mechanical ventilation due to high-dose narcotic anesthesia has evolved to early protocolized extubation pathways facilitated by multimodal anesthesia. The goal of the postoperative care phase is focused on reducing or completely bypassing the intensive care unit and ultimately decreasing hospital length of stay. Yet, here is where FTCC seems unable to achieve its goals due to multifactorial barriers. An integral part of successful FTCC is constant reevaluation of the patient through each of the perioperative phases (pre-, intra-, and postoperatively).