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Quality of life after cardiac surgery in the elderly
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Innsbruck Medical Center, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. reinhard.mittermair@tirol.com
Insights
Cardiac surgery in older adults significantly improves quality of life, with 99.1% of patients over 75 years old reporting satisfaction after procedures. This demonstrates the value of cardiac surgery in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Cardiac surgery is increasingly performed in elderly patients.
- Key goals include low mortality and improved quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the medium-term outcomes of cardiac surgery in patients over 75 years of age.
Main Methods:
- 124 patients (mean age 76.6 years) underwent cardiac surgery between 01/98 and 06/99.
- Procedures included isolated coronary/valve (84%) and combined (16%) surgeries.
- Data collected: NYHA class, follow-up, mortality, and patient satisfaction.
Main Results:
- Perioperative mortality was 6.4%.
- At a mean follow-up of 15.2 months, 99.1% of patients were satisfied (73% excellent, 26% good).
- 96.5% of patients improved to NYHA class I or II.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac surgery in the elderly is associated with acceptable morbidity and mortality.
- High patient satisfaction and functional improvement justify surgical intervention in this age group.
Background:
Cardiac surgery in the elderly is performed with increasing frequency. Beside low mortality an evident gain in quality of life is the most important aim of therapy. To investigate the medium term outcome of cardiac surgery, we evaluated patients over 75 years of age who were operated on within a 1.5-year period.
Methods:
Between 01/98 and 06/99, 124 patients (76 male, 48 female), mean age of 76.6 (range 75-86) years were operated on. Eighty-four per cent had isolated coronary or valve procedures and 16% had combined procedures. Pre- and postoperative NYHA classification, follow-up period, perioperative mortality and the subjective satisfaction were recorded.
Results:
Total perioperative mortality was 6.4%. After a mean follow-up time of 15.2 (range 6-24) months, patient satisfaction with the operative results was excellent in 73%, good in 26% and low (unsatisfied) in 1%.
Conclusions:
Cardiac surgery in the elderly can be performed with an acceptable morbidity and mortality. The fact that 99.1% of the patients are satisfied with their operation and the dramatic improvement in functional status (96.5% NYHA I and II) justify cardiac surgery in this age.