Valve replacement in patients over 70 years of age

Between 1 August 1975 and 31 October 1982, 76 patients aged between 70 and 82 years (mean 73,4 years) underwent elective (71) or emergency (5) valve replacements. Fifty patients underwent aortic valve replacement (including 5 with additional coronary artery bypass grafts), 19 mitral valve replacement including 3 with coronary artery bypass grafts, and 7 double valve replacements. There were 3 early deaths (3,9%) and 9 late deaths (11,8%) during the follow-up periods of 1 month - 86 months (mean 29 months). Actuarial analysis showed a survival rate of 95% at 1 year, 89% at 2 years, and 77% at 5 years. The clinical result of operation was judged to be good or excellent in all patients except one. It is concluded that valve replacement in patients over 70 years carries a low operative risk, statistically similar to that for younger patients at our institution, and is accompanied by a satisfactory result.