The octogenarian cardiac surgery patient

As advances are made in medical-surgical technology and overall life expectancy increases, cardiac surgery previously done only in younger populations is now becoming common in older adult age groups. Most of the nursing literature regarding elderly cardiac surgery patients focuses on the 65- to 75-year-old age group; little has been written about the 80- to 90-year-old age group. Very elderly patients present unique and complex challenges to the interdisciplinary teams involved in their care. Nurses must recognize and anticipate the specialized needs of these frail individuals to optimally manage their care. Aortic valve replacement is the most common cardiac valve surgical procedure performed in very elderly persons. A case study and an integrated care plan for the aortic valve surgery patient are described.