【Abstract】Background Delirium is associated with both short and long-term morbidity and mortality in surgical patients. Objective To review the definition, etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment strategies associated with delirium after cardiac surgery. Content The incidence of delirium after cardiac surgery is estimated at a high. Delirium after cardiac surgery is associated with poor prognosis, including increased long-term mortality, increased risk of stroke, and substantial cognitive. Effectiveness of prophylactic antipsychotics to reduce the risk of delirium is controversial. The evidence that antipsychotics in cardiac surgery patients reduce duration of delirium or improve long-term outcomes following delirium is with low quality. Trend Clinicians in the ICU should recognize the impact of delirium in predicting long-term outcomes for patients. Further research was warranted to determine interventions that will be effective in preventing and treating delirium in cardiac surgical patients.