Background: The increasing number of cardiac valve surgeries, intensive care and economic pressures have led to the concept of fast track cardiac surgery in which early extubation (within 6 - 8 hours after surgery) is the key issue. This study was conducted to assess the feasibility and safety of early extubation in patients undergoing valve surgery.

Patients and method: Eighty four adult patients undergoing elective valve surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass were included in this study. Operative procedures included primary valve repair and replacement at Hue Cardiovascular Center. Anesthesia was induced with sufentanil, etomidate and vecuronium, maintained with isoflurane and cardiopulmonary bypass with mild hypothermia was applied.

Results: Three patients were excluded due to reoperation for bleeding. Extubation time was 6.94  ± 2.09 hours, early extubation rate was 81.5%, extubation before 6 hours after surgery 39.5%. No patients had respiratory depression, required reintubation or supplemental catecholamines.

Conclusions: Early extubation was feasible and safe in patients with reserved cardiac function undergoing valve repair or replacement under cardiopulmonary bypass with mild hypothermia.