This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Miller, D. J. Articles by Brockman, S. K. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Miller, D. J. Articles by Brockman, S. K. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in Nonagenarians

Hahnemann Hospital Broad and Vine Streets, MS 111 Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192

Louis E. Samuels, MD

Hahnemann Hospital Broad and Vine Streets, MS 111 Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192

Marla S. Kaufman, BA

Hahnemann Hospital Broad and Vine Streets, MS 111 Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192

Rohinton J. Morris, MD

Hahnemann Hospital Broad and Vine Streets, MS 111 Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192

Matthew P. Thomas, EMT

Hahnemann Hospital Broad and Vine Streets, MS 111 Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192

Stanley K. Brockman, MD

Hahnemann Hospital Broad and Vine Streets, MS 111 Philadelphia, PA 19102-1192

As the number of nonagenarians increases yearly in the United States, surgeons will be asked more often to evaluate the possibility of intervention for coronary artery disease in this age group. The purpose of this study is to document experience with patients 90 years of age or older in order to determine whether coronary artery bypass grafting surgery is justified. Eleven patients aged 90 years or more underwent cardiac surgery for symptomatic coronary artery disease refractory to medical management between January 1, 1987, and December 31, 1996. All patients were in NYHA Class IV preoper atively. In-hospital death occurred in two patients (18%). In-hospital morbidity occurred in all patients (100%) including seven cardiac, four respiratory, two neurologic, and one infectious. All survivors left the hospital symptomatically improved. The mean length of stay was 28 days. Four patients died at a mean of 2 years and 2 months post operatively. Five patients remain alive at a mean of 1 year and 7 months. Coronary artery bypass grafting in nonagenarians can be performed successfully in selected cases. However, increased mortality and morbidity rates and length of stay are associated with this age group. For survivors, the quality of life is improved and the projected life expectancy restored.

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?