Perioperative care in cardiac surgery.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Perioperative Medicine
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Cardiac surgery outcomes have improved, with a growing emphasis on patient-centered results like recovery and quality of life.
• The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) cardiac society has introduced initial guidelines for cardiac surgery.
• Advances in mechanical circulatory support, diagnostics, and quality metrics are also shaping current practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a balanced, evidence-based review of selected aspects of current perioperative cardiac surgical care.
• To highlight recent advancements in both UK and international practices.
• To structure the review around the conventional preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of care.

Main Methods:

• Review of current UK and international perioperative practices in cardiac surgery.
• Focus on recent advancements and evidence-based data.
• Organization of information into preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases.

Main Results:

• The focus in cardiac surgery is evolving from solely mortality rates to encompass recovery and quality of life.
• Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines provide a foundation for optimizing patient care.
• Technological developments aid in early recognition and prevention of organ dysfunction.
• Measuring and publishing quality outcomes can enhance cardiac surgical services.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac surgical practice must prioritize patient recovery and quality of life over just mortality.
• Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) principles and guidelines are crucial for this transition.
• Anesthesiology and critical care specialists are key to driving these practice changes.
• Quality metrics and technological advancements are vital for improving patient outcomes and services.