Related Experiment Videos
[Heart operations in patients older than 75. Results and postoperative rehabilitation]
H Aebert1, F Brünger, E Sendtner
1Klinik für Herz-, Thorax- und herznahe Gefässchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg.
Insights
Elderly patients with critical heart conditions undergoing cardiac operations showed improved clinical condition post-surgery. Hospitalization costs significantly decreased in the year following cardiac surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Geriatric Medicine
Context:
- Elderly patients (mean age 78.6 years) with critical preoperative conditions (NYHA class III+IV, 78.7%) underwent complex cardiac operations.
- Procedures included coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, and combined procedures, totaling 164 patients.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the outcomes and economic impact of cardiac operations in elderly patients with severe preoperative conditions.
Summary:
- In-hospital mortality was 8.5% (14 patients).
- Follow-up in 147 patients (98%) at 16.5 months showed 79.6% in good clinical condition (NYHA I+II).
- Late deaths occurred in 5.4% (8 patients), with over 95% of survivors living at home or with relatives.
Impact:
- Cardiac surgery in high-risk elderly patients can lead to good long-term clinical outcomes.
- Hospital treatment charges decreased by approximately two-thirds in the first postoperative year compared to the preoperative year.
Abstract:
A total of 164 patients with a mean age of 78.6 +/- 2.7 years and often critical preoperative conditions [New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III + IV, 78.7%] underwent cardiac operations [coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) 97; valve replacement, 33; CABG + valve replacement, 18; replacement of ascending aorta and others, 18] with an in-hospital mortality of 8.5% (n = 14). Follow-up was completed for 147 patients (98%) after 16.5 +/- 10.8 months. Most patients were in a good clinical condition (NYHA I + II, 79.6%; late deaths, 8 patients, 5.4%) and more than 95% of patients lived at home or with relatives. Charges for hospital treatment dropped to one third after the hospitalization period for surgery in the first postoperative year compared to the year immediately preceding the cardiac operation.