Cardiac reoperations in octogenarians: Do they really benefit?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Cardiac Surgery

Background:

• Increasing number of octogenarians undergoing cardiac surgery.
• Limited data on outcomes of redo cardiac procedures in this age group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term survival, functional status, and quality of life in octogenarians after redo cardiac surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 84 patients aged ≥80 years undergoing cardiac reoperation.
• Prospective follow-up assessing functional status (Barthel Index, NYHA class) and quality of life (SF-12).

Main Results:

• Mean age 81.9 years; most procedures followed coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement.
• In-hospital mortality was 32.1%; 19.0% mortality during follow-up (29 months).
• Survivors showed good functional recovery (Barthel Index 89, NYHA class 2) and quality of life comparable to age-matched norms, with 93% living at home.

Conclusions:

• Despite high perioperative mortality, redo cardiac surgery in octogenarians can lead to a sustainable recovery.
• Survivors achieve a high degree of independence and quality of life.
• Age alone should not be a contraindication for redo cardiac interventions in the elderly.