Postoperative Critical Care of the Adult Cardiac Surgical Patient: Part II: Procedure-Specific Considerations, Management of Complications, and Quality Improvement

Postoperative Critical Care of the Adult Cardiac Surgical Patient: Part II:Procedure-Specific Considerations, Management of Complications, and Quality Improvement

Critical Care Medicine: September 2015 - Volume 43 - Issue 9 - p 1995–2014

Stephens S, et al


Objectives: The armamentarium of cardiac surgery continues to expand, and the cardiac intensivist must be familiar with a broad spectrum of procedures and their specific management concerns. In the conclusion of this two-part review, we will review procedure-specific concerns after cardiac surgery and the management of common complications. We also discuss performance improvement and outcome assurance. 
Data Source and Synthesis: Narrative review of relative English language peer-reviewed medical literature. 
Conclusions: Knowledge of procedure-specific sequelae informs anticipation and prevention of many complications after cardiac surgery. Most complications after cardiac surgery fall into a limited number of categories. Familiarity with common complications combined with a structured approach to management facilitates response to even the most complicated postoperative situations. Standardized care and constant self-examination are essential for programmatic improvement and consistent high-quality care.