[Myocardial revascularization interventions].
UNLABELLED: Elective coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) can be performed with low operative mortality. There is a controversial discussion whether short- and long-term results of CABG can justify this procedure even in elderly patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical profile, operative procedure, postoperative short- and long-term results of 1127 patients over 70 years of age who underwent myocardial revascularization between January 1985 and December 1996. RESULTS: Mean age was 73.9 years. In 1996, septuagenarians represented 21.5% of our operated coronary patients, when compared with 6.4% in 1985. Analysis of risk factors showed an increasing prevalence of renal failure, obesity, hyperuricemia and a history of smoking. Preoperatively 87% of our patients were in NYHA-class III and IV. The percentage of emergent operations decreased over the observed period by 10.3%. Internal mammary artery was used with increasing frequency (44.8% in 1985-92 vs. 61.5% in 1993-96). The number of simultaneous valve replacements increased, too. Postoperatively, we noted rising incidence of respiratory failure (17.1%) and neurological disorders (13.7%). On the other hand, the need for intraaortic balloon pumping and hemofiltration declined by 6.6% and 2.9%. Perioperative mortality (< or = 24 h) was 3.65%, hospital mortality (< or = 30 days) was 9.64%. Actuarial 1 year at was 82% (+/- 4.3%), and 65.7% (+/- 3.8%) at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that CABG can be performed in septuagenarians with an acceptable operative risk. Since the large majority of patients improve symptomatically, surgery is the recommendable option for a growing number of elderly patients suffering from severe angina.