Gait speed is a preoperative indicator of post-operative events following elective proximal aortic surgery

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate whether 5-m gait speed, an established marker of frailty, is associated with post-operative events following elective proximal aortic surgery. Methods A retrospective review of 435 patients >60 years of age who underwent elective proximal aortic surgery, defined as surgery on the aortic root, ascending aorta, and/or aortic arch through median sternotomy. Patients completed a 5-m gait speed test within 30-days prior to surgery. We evaluated the association between categorical (slow, ≤0.83 m/s and normal, >0.83 m/s) and continuous gait speed and the likelihood of experiencing the composite outcome before and after adjustment for EuroSCORE II. The composite outcome included in-hospital mortality, renal failure, prolonged ventilation, and discharge location. Secondary outcomes were 1-year mortality and 5-year survival. Results Of the study population, 30.3% (132/435) were categorized as slow. Slow walkers were significantly more likely to suffer in-hospital mortality, prolonged ventilation, renal failure, and were less likely to be discharged home (p’s Conclusion Slow gait speed is a preoperative indicator of risk for post-operative events following elective proximal aortic surgery. Gait speed may be an important tool to complement existing operative risk models, and its application may identify patients who may benefit from pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation.