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.