Background: Octogenarians are increasingly being referred for coronary artery revascularization. However, the prevalence of comorbid events and the propensity for neurologic dysfunction place octogenarians at higher risk for cardiopulmonary bypass-induced morbidity and mortality. Therefore, octogenarian patients represent a particularly attractive target for application of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.
Methods: From January 1999 to August 2001, 113 octogenarians had off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Their data were prospectively entered into the cardiac surgery database and analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone survey.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 83 +/- 2.5 years, and the mean number of grafts per patient was 3.3 +/- 1. The most prevalent postoperative complication was atrial fibrillation (43%). Postoperative neurologic complications were seen in 5 patients (4%). There was one postoperative death (30-day mortality rate, 0.9%). The mean follow-up was 13.2 +/- 7 months and was complete for 90% of the patients. At the time of telephone survey, 85 (87%) of 98 patients were free from angina, and 91 (88%) were free from cardiac-related readmission. There were three late deaths. The majority of octogenarians (66%) reported that in retrospect, they would have the operation again.
Conclusions: Off-pump multivessel revascularization in octogenarians is associated with excellent early and intermediate outcomes and provides a satisfactory quality of life.