Circulation
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A multicenter population-based study was conducted to develop and validate a risk index for mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and postoperative length of stay after cardiac surgery. ⋯ Mortality, ICU length of stay, and postoperative length of stay after cardiac surgery can be predicted using a simple six-variable risk index. The index has potential application as a risk stratification tool for comparing patient outcomes and resource use among different hospitals and surgeons.