The octogenarians--a new challenge in cardiac surgery?

The per- and early postoperative outcomes of 75 consecutive octogenarians (38 male, 37 female, mean age 81.7 years) who underwent open heart surgery were analysed to identify independent variables of risk factors influencing morbidity and mortality. There were 48 coronary bypasses. 20 valve replacements, and 7 combined procedures. Multivariate analysis revealed that functional class (New York Heart Association), operative procedure, aortic cross clamp time, total bypass time, and age are independent predictors for morbidity and mortality (p < 0.05). There were 6 postoperative deaths (8%). Postoperative complications included haemorrhage (2), stroke (1), unstable sternum (2), acute cholecystitis (1), pneumothorax (2), and urinary tract infection. It is concluded that octogenarians may benefit from open heart surgery at an acceptable risk.