2007 Cardiac Algorithm - Step 3

Is Surgery Low Risk?

Is the patient undergoing a low risk surgical procedure defined as one in which combined morbidity and mortality rates are < 1%, eve in high risk patients?

Yes, Low Risk Surgery

Non-emergency surgery
No active cardiac conditions
Low risk surgery

Proceed to Operating Room

Elevated Risk
ⓘ surgery risk levels

Low Risk Procedures
(<1% cardiac morbidity & mortality even for high risk patients)

  • -
    endoscopic procedure
  • -
    superficial procedure
  • -
    cataract surgery
  • -
    breast surgery
  • -
    ambulatory surgery

Intermediate Risk Procedures 
(1-5% cardiac morbid & mortal) intra-peritoneal/thoracic surgery

  • -
    carotid endarterectomy
  • -
    head and neck surgery
  • -
    orthopedic, prostate surgery

High Risk Procedures 
(>5% cardiac morbid & mortal)

  • -
    aortic & other major vessel surgery
  • -
    peripheral vascular surgery