This page was reviewed by the ERAS Cardiac Editorial Team and is provided for general education only. Always talk with your care team about your individual treatment plan and recovery needs.
Summary
Some patients may experience temporary changes in thinking or awareness after heart surgery. This is sometimes called delirium. It may include confusion, trouble focusing, or feeling disoriented. Not all hospitals follow the same recovery pathway, but some care teams who use ERAS Cardiac principles may watch for these changes as part of early recovery planning.
This page is meant to build awareness and help patients understand what to expect. It is not medical advice and does not reflect the practices of every hospital.
Please note, logging in as a provider or patient is required to access additional information. Click here to register for free site access or click here to login.
AI Assistance Statement
This summary was developed with assistance from artificial intelligence and reviewed, edited, and approved by the listed editor(s). Reference: OpenAI (2025). ChatGPT (November version) [Large language model].
https://chat.openai.com
ERAS Cardiac VEC Disclaimer
The Virtual Education Center (VEC) and all included content are provided for general education about enhanced recovery after cardiac surgery. The information has been reviewed by healthcare professionals but is not meant to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every patient’s situation is unique. Always talk with your own doctor or care team about what is best for you.
For questions or comments about the ERAS Cardiac VEC, please contact us.