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Ten-year experience with mitral valve replacement in the elderly

C K Nair1, W P Biddle, A Kaneshige

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 63131.

Insights

Elderly patients undergoing mitral valve replacement face higher risks. This study identified key predictors of mortality in this population, highlighting the need for careful management.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Geriatric Cardiology
  • Cardiac Valve Repair

Background:

  • Limited data exists on mitral valve replacement (MVR) outcomes in elderly patients.
  • This study compares perioperative and long-term mortality in elderly vs. younger patients undergoing MVR.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify predictors of perioperative and long-term mortality in elderly patients undergoing MVR.
  • To compare outcomes of MVR in patients aged 70 years and older versus younger patients.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 126 consecutive MVR patients, divided into elderly (>=70 years) and younger groups.
  • Evaluation of clinical, ECG, hemodynamic, and angiographic variables.
  • Multivariate analysis to determine predictors of mortality.

Main Results:

  • Elderly patients more frequently received bioprostheses and had higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure, fascicular block, and cardiopulmonary bypass time.
  • A trend towards higher perioperative mortality was observed in the elderly group (27% vs. 12%).
  • Long-term cardiac and total mortality rates were significantly higher in elderly patients (42% and 54%) compared to younger patients (24% and 35%).

Conclusions:

  • Elderly patients undergoing MVR exhibit distinct clinical characteristics and face significantly higher perioperative and long-term mortality risks.
  • Predictors of mortality differ between elderly and younger MVR patients.
  • Aortic calcification and prolonged bypass time are critical factors for elderly patient mortality.

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