Introduction -- Society for Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery -- ERAS Recommendations -- Assessment and pathophysiology of pain in cardiac surgery -- Multi-modal opioid sparing -- Locoregional Anesthesia in Cardiac Procedures -- Anatomy and ultrasound. General considerations -- Anterior and posterior chest wall anatomy -- Anterior and posterior abdominal wall anatomy -- Anterior and posterior chest wall blocks -- Anterior and posterior abdominal wall blocks -- Analgesia vs Anesthesia -- Chronic pain and fascial blocks -- Hemodynamic implications -- Pain monitoring -- Minimally Invasive Cardiac Procedures and Locoregional Anesthesia -- TAVI -- MITRACLIP -- MINI thoracotomy -- MINI sternotomy -- Early Extubation After Cardiac Procedures -- Risks and benefits -- Patients selection -- Postoperative implications -- Future Considerations In Cardiac Surgery -- Ultrafast-Track extubation -- Awake surgery -- Hospital cost and length of stay -- Clinical Cases.

This book, focused on fast-track approaches in cardiac surgery, covers ERAS cardiac guidelines, explores the application of loco-regional anesthesia in cardiac surgery, and addresses all aspects related to early extubation in this context. The volume includes: A comprehensive description of all minimally invasive cardiac procedures, with detailed anesthetic considerations for each. An in-depth examination of perioperative pain management, emphasizing opioid-sparing strategies and the use of chest wall blocks as a key component in fast-track protocols. A thorough analysis of early extubation, including its impact on length of stay and cost. Additionally, the book provides insights into future developments by examining Ultra-Fast-Track extubation and awake surgery. As one of the first books to focus entirely on fast-track and ERAS guidelines for early extubation of cardiac surgery patients, this volume is particularly valuable for anesthesiologists, intensivists, surgeons, and cardiologists.