@article{MAKHILLTC2008418442,
    title = {CABG-Procedures in Patients with Advanced Age: Early Extubation and Fast Track Management as an Option?},
    journal = {The Cardiology},
    volume = {4},
    number = {1},
    pages = {7-10},
    year = {2008},
    issn = {1811-8194},
    doi = {tcard.2008.7.10},
    url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1811-8194&doi=tcard.2008.7.10},
    author = {J. Litmathe,U. Boeken,M. Kurt,P. Feindt and},
    keywords = {CABG-procedures,advanced age,early extubation,fast track management},
    abstract = {In cardiac surgery shorter hospital stays and decreased costs can be reached by early extubation and fast-track management protocols. The feasibility of such protocols in elderly patients is still discussed controversially. We analyzed 800 consecutive patients undergoing CABG. Total 496 patients (62 %) underwent early extubation, defined as extubation within 6 h postoperatively (group I). In the early extubated group elderly patients  of  at  least  70  years  (n  = 210, mean age 78.1 years) were compared with younger patients (n = 286, 61.2 years). The  mean length of stay (LOS) in hospital  for  all patients extubated within 6 h was 9.1 days vs. 13.3 days for patients who underwent later extubation. The hospital mortality rate was comparable between the older and the younger group of patients (2.6 vs. 2.3%). We found a shorter LOS in hospital among the younger patients (8.5±1.3 vs. 10.2±1.3 days), although the LOS on ICU was similar (old: 31±5 vs. 26±4 h). The immediate extubation (before ICU) could be  correlated  to  the  most  uncomplicated  postoperative courses among all early extubated patients.}
    }