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Updated: May 29, 2026

Standardized Technique of Aortic Valve Re-implantation for Valve-sparing Aortic Root Replacement
Published on: December 11, 2017
Long-term outcomes in octogenarians following aortic valve replacement
Nicolas Nikolaidis1, Dimitrios Pousios, Marcus P Haw
1Wessex Cardiac Centre, Southampton University Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom. nicnik1977@yahoo.com
Aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients over 80 years old shows excellent outcomes. This cardiac surgery has significantly lower risks than predicted, making elderly patients suitable candidates.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Aging population leads to more elderly patients requiring cardiac surgery.
- Review of experience with primary aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients aged 80 and above.
- Analysis includes isolated AVR and combined AVR with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of primary aortic valve replacement (AVR) in octogenarians.
- To compare outcomes of isolated AVR versus combined AVR and CABG in elderly patients.
- To assess the long-term survival and quality of life after AVR in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 345 patients (≥80 years) who underwent primary AVR between 2000 and 2008.
- Data collection included patient demographics, surgical procedures, and follow-up information.
- Quality of life assessment via questionnaires sent to survivors.
Main Results:
- Hospital mortality was 4.9%, significantly lower than the predicted logistic EuroSCORE of 16.2%.
- Mortality rates were similar for isolated AVR (4.3%) and combined AVR/CABG (5.4%).
- One-year survival was 90.1%, five-year survival was 77.2%, with 70% of patients achieving NYHA Class I and 83.7% satisfied with outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Aortic valve replacement (AVR) can be performed with excellent results in octogenarians.
- Actual surgical risk is substantially lower than predicted by conventional scoring systems.
- Advanced age should not preclude patients from AVR candidacy.
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