Abstract
Between January and December 1991, six patients aged 80 years or older underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Five cases were female, the mean age was 83 years, and the oldest was 90 years of age. Of these patients, five were of 3 vessels disease, three of whom had left main trunk lesions as well. Five cases were classified as NYHA-IV, four of whom required inotropic support, and two needed IABP support preoperatively. Emergency CABG was performed in five patients. As a result, all patients needed extensive postoperative care and extended hospital stays. However, five cases survived, and there was one hospital death due to severe left ventricular dysfunction (hospital mortality; 16.7%). We conclude that CABG in patients 80 years or older, although associated with longer ICU and hospital stay, can give good operative results and that patients should not be denied CABG because of age alone.
