The concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is composed of multidisciplinary, multimodal, and evidence-based approaches, providing a safe and cost-effective method for perioperative management to improve patient prognosis without increasing the incidence of complications. At present, ERAS for cardiac surgery has developed slowly. This article provides a review of the application and prospects of ERAS concept in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery. The measures for applying ERAS concept to the perioperative period of cardiac surgery are divided into three parts: preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative. The aim is to provide information for the perioperative management of cardiac surgery patients and assist in their rapid recovery during the perioperative period.