[Coronary artery bypass procedures in the elderly. Risk factors and outcome]

Robertas Samalavicius1, Irina Misiūriene, Inga Paskaite

  • 1Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu klinikos, Santariskiu 2, 2021 Vilnius, Lithuania. rsamalavicius@yahoo.com

Insights

Elderly patients over 75 undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) experienced higher hospital mortality and complications. However, CABG is still considered a viable option for this demographic.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Geriatric Medicine

Background:

  • Cardiac surgery is increasingly being performed on elderly patients.
  • The aging population presents unique challenges in cardiovascular care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the short-term survival and postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
  • To compare outcomes in patients over 75 years old with a younger control group.

Main Methods:

  • A study of 97 consecutive patients aged over 75 undergoing CABG.
  • Comparison with 975 younger patients who underwent similar procedures during the same period.

Main Results:

  • Hospital mortality was significantly higher in the elderly group (12.3%) compared to the younger group (1.3%).
  • Postoperative complications were more frequent in patients over 75 years old.

Conclusions:

  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) can be safely performed in elderly patients.
  • While risks are increased, the procedure offers acceptable outcomes for geriatric populations.
Abstract

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