[Early results of aortic valve replacement in patients 65 year and older]

30 patients aged 65 years or more, who underwent aortic valve replacement in the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Łódź in 2000, were assessed. This group consisted of 19 women (63.3%) and 11 men (36.7%). The mean age of the patients was 71.83 years +/- 3.76, age range from 66 to 78 years. The analysis of preoperative clinical state of the patients revealed prevalence of diabetes mellitus in 23 pts (76.7%), chronic bronchitis in 4 pts (13.3%), arterial hypertension in 8 pts (26.7%), pulmonary hypertension in 8 pts (26.7%), atrial fibrillation in 4 pts (13.3%), ventricular arrhythmia in 13 pts (43.3%) and cigarette smoking in 8 pts (26.7%). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 50.8% (+/- 8.12%, from 31% to 64%). All patients before aortic valve replacement procedure underwent coronary angiography. All patients were operated on cardiopulmonary by-pass and myocardial protection was obtained by the use of cold crystalloid cardioplegy solution based on St. Thomas Hospital formula. 7 patients (23.3%) underwent myocardial revascularization procedure simultaneously. In early postoperative period the following complications were observed: death--2 (6.67%), low cardiac output syndrome--4 (13.33%), need of use of intraaortic contrapulsation--3 (10%), need of use of inotropic agents--13 (43.33%), respiratory failure with the need of prolonged intubation--8 (26.67%), acute renal failure--2 (6.67%), stroke--1 (3.33%), need of temporary cardiac pacing--4 (13.33%), need of rethoracotomy--2 (6.67%). The results of aortic valve replacement procedures in patients over 65 years age good, in spite of prevalence of number risk factors in these patients. The high rate (23.3%) of patients requiring simultaneous myocardial revascularization is remarkable. The age of a patient should not be treated as a contradiction to the cardiac surgery.