Quality improvement program increases early tracheal extubation rate and decreases pulmonary complications and resource utilization after cardiac surgery.

Background: Early tracheal extubation is a common goal after cardiac surgery and may improve postoperative outcomes. Our study evaluates the impact of a quality improvement program (QIP) on early extubation, pulmonary complications, and resource utilization after cardiac surgery.

Methods: Between 2002 and 2006, 980 patients underwent early tracheal extubation (<6 hours after surgery) and 1231 had conventional extubation (> 6 hours after surgery, conventional group).