Aortic valve surgery in the elderly.

As the population ages, aortic valve replacement, particularly for aortic stenosis, has become more common. Although many patients have considerable coexisting morbidity, almost all symptomatic patients are candidates for surgery. Once symptoms develop, surgery should not be unduly delayed, because the operative mortality clearly increases in the presence of poor left ventricular function, heart failure, and New York Heart Association Class III or IV symptoms. Operative difficulties often are related to fragile tissues, a small aortic annulus, and extensive calcification of the aortic annulus and root. In the author's experience, approximately 10% of these patients undergo aortic annulus and root enlargement using pericardium. A tissue valve is the preferred prosthesis. Operative mortality for elective surgery in patients older than 80 years of age is 4-10%, depending on whether associated procedures are required (eg, coronary artery bypass grafting) or whether the patient has had previous surgery. Postoperative neurologic events are important complications that are more common in the elderly. Outcome after successful surgery is excellent, with a 5-year survival of approximately 60%. The vast majority of patients have an improved symptomatic status.