Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia
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J. Cardiothorac. Vasc. Anesth. · Aug 2008
Comparative StudyRisk factors for failed "fast-tracking" after cardiac surgery in patients older than 70 years.
"Fast-track" pathways have been successfully used in low-risk, relatively young patients after all types of surgical procedures including cardiac surgery. An increase in the number of referrals of older patients for cardiac surgery prompted the present study on the use of a "fast-track" pathway in septuagenarians and octogenarians. Risk factors for the unsuccessful application of the "fast-track" pathway in these elderly patients were determined. ⋯ A "fast-track" pathway may be applied in selected septuagenarians and octogenarians. Age alone should not exclude consideration for "fast-track" management.