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Fast-tracking in pediatric cardiac surgery--the current standing
Alexander J C Mittnacht1, Ingrid Hollinger
1Department of Anesthesiology, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY 10029, USA. alexander.mittnacht@msnyuhealth.org
Insights
Fast-tracking in cardiac surgery enables early recovery for congenital heart disease patients. This approach requires careful patient selection and a coordinated team for safe, cost-effective outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Fast-tracking aims to reduce costs and morbidity through early patient recovery.
- Congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery patients may benefit from fast-tracking protocols.
- Multidisciplinary coordination is crucial for safe implementation of fast-tracking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review anesthetic techniques for fast-tracking in CHD surgery.
- To evaluate patient selection criteria for fast-tracking.
- To assess the safety and outcomes of fast-tracking in CHD patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current anesthetic strategies.
- Analysis of patient selection criteria.
- Synthesis of existing data on safety and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Fast-tracking is feasible in many CHD surgery patients with proper selection.
- Anesthetic techniques and multidisciplinary care are key to success.
- Evidence suggests safety and positive patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Fast-tracking is a viable strategy for select CHD surgery patients.
- Careful planning, patient selection, and team coordination are essential.
- This approach can potentially reduce healthcare costs and improve patient recovery.
Abstract:
Fast-tracking in cardiac surgery refers to the concept of early extubation, mobilization and hospital discharge in an effort to reduce costs and perioperative morbidity. With careful patient selection, fast-tracking can be performed in many patients undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD). In order to accomplish this safely, a multidisciplinary coordinated approach is necessary. This manuscript reviews currently used anesthetic techniques, patient selection, and available information about the safety and patient outcome associated with this approach.
