The outcomes of coronary artery bypass and aortic valve replacement in elderly patients

To study the outcome of open heart surgery in an increasing population of elderly patients in Iceland. A retrospective study of patients (n=876) that underwent coronary artery bypass (CABG) or aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis in Iceland 2002-2006. Complication rates, operative mortality and long-term survival were compared between patients older (n=221, 25%) and younger (n=655, 75%) than 75 years. Long-term survival of the older group was compared to an age and sex matched reference population. Older patients had a higher incidence of atrial fibrillation (57% vs. 37%, p