Surgical Critical Care Therapy pp 115-146 | Cite as
Care for the Postoperative Cardiac Surgery Patient
Abstract
The care for patients after cardiac surgery should begin with standardized pathways, with the goal of structured care criteria rooted in best available evidence. Such pathways are only a starting place, however, as every patient’s procedure and course is unique. Optimal care relies on a team that is able to recognize deviations from normal physiology and recovery in the context of a given condition and procedure and that institutes early and appropriate action when faced with potential complications.
In this chapter, a review of general management principles and techniques relevant to the care of cardiac surgical patients will be followed by guidance for the management of more specific clinical scenarios. Finally, this chapter will present some considerations unique to particular cardiac surgical procedures.
Keywords
Heart diseases [C14.280] Postoperative care [E02.760.731.700] Cardiac surgical procedures [E04.100.376] Cardiovascular physiological phenomena [G09.330] Heart valve diseases [C14.280.484] Coronary artery disease [C14.280.647.250.260]References
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