The Particulars: Patients in the rapidly growing octogenarian population frequently have coronary artery disease (CAD). While CABG is often used to treat CAD, comorbidities and limited life expectancy may limit its use in this older patient population.
Data Breakdown: A data analysis indicated that the number of CABG surgeries declined overall between 1991 and 2009, but octogenarians accounted for a greater proportion of these surgeries each year. In addition, 30-day mortality in octogenarians following CABG declined from 8.1% in 1991-1995 to 5.6% in 2006-2008.
Take Home Pearls: The proportion of CABG surgeries performed in octogenarians appears to have increased with time. The 30-day survival rate among octogenerians following CABG also appears to be improving.
