Functional quality of life following open valve surgery in high-risk octogenarians

The aim of this study was to determine the midterm functional quality of life in octogenarians after open valvular surgery.

One hundred and eighty-five consecutive patients above age 80 had valvular surgery with or without coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Using the Karnofsky Performance score and Barthel Index, patients were evaluated for functional autonomy, living disposition, and leisure activity by a single telephone interview. Subgroup analysis was performed on the 49 cases of isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR).

Mean age of octogenarians undergoing valvular surgery was 82.7 years (range 80 to 92 years). Actuarial survival at one and three years was 71% and 59%, respectively, for the entire group, compared to 84% and 71%, respectively, for isolated AVRs. After a mean follow-up of 38 months there were 110 survivors (59.5%). Among survivors, 66% were autonomous, 26% semiautonomous, and 8% deemed dependent. Seventy-two percent were living at home, 19% in a residence, and 9% in a supervised nursing facility. Over 90% of patients pursued leisure activities in the social, cognitive, and physical domains.

Valvular surgery in high-risk octogenarians, can be performed with acceptable mortality rates, and provide patients with functional autonomy and an excellent quality of life.