Long term results and functional outcomes following cardiac surgery in octogenarians

Objective. Cardiac surgery for patients >80 years has seen a dramatic increase in the last decade. The aim was to assess the long term survival and quality of life in this patient population.Method. Patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 1995 and 2007 were identified and case notes reviewed. Follow-up was undertaken by personal interview with the patient or the nearest kin to complete a pre-planned questionnaire.Results. Sixty six (M:F; 45:21) octogenarians had Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) only (55%), Aortic valve replacement (AVR) only (12%), Mitral valve replacement (MVR) only (3%), Valve and CABG (25%) and complex procedures (5%). Fifty-eight percent were elective procedures. Operative mortality was 8% (n = 5). Multivariate analysis identified complex procedures, prolonged bypass time and re-do/emergency surgery as predictors of death (p 70% leaving ICU in 72 h. Late mortality involved five patients (8%)...