Total arterial myocardial revascularization in patients over 70 years old - a new trend in coronary surgery in elderly.

Introduction: In modern society, civilization has extended the life expectancy of developed nations. The demographic analysis of Eurostat (European Statistical Office) predicts the increase of the population over 70 years old in Western Europe from 15.2% reported in 1995 to 19.5% in 2020. Undoubtedly, the incidence of cardiovascular diseases increases with age. Nowadays, they are the most commonly diagnosed disease, as well as the most common cause of death in patients over 70 years old. Therefore, a significant increase of surgeries in elderly patients, reaching up to 30%, is reported in cardiac surgery. As changes in operating technique are being observed, better outcomes of surgeries in elderly patients are being noted. With over 10 years of observation, more beneficial results are noted for arterial revascularization with usage of arterial grafts compared with venous ones. The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety of harvesting both internal mammary arteries and radial artery in CABG in patients over 70 years old and to analyze the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and other postoperative complications in this cohort.

Materials And Methods: In a retrospective observational study we analyzed 101 cases, where TAMR was applied in patients aged 70 yo or older between 2003 to 2009 in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery and Transplantology, John Paul II Hospital, Kraków. Exclusion criteria included among others low left ventricular ejection fraction, high Euroscore, and accompanying valvular disease. Data was obtained from patient medical records. Baseline characteristics, intraoperative data and postoperative complications were assessed. All surgeries were performed in extracorporeal circulation and via median sternotomy.

Results: In the study cohort, most patients suffered from multi-vessel disease (65.3%), and all required at least 2 bypass grafts. Left internal mammary artery (LIMA) was used in all cases, right internal mammary artery (RIMA) in 30.7%, and radial artery (RA) in 95% of surgeries. In 6.9% of individuals additional transmyocardial laser revascularization was applied due to disseminated coronary artery disease. The in-hospital mortality stood at 1.98%, however there were no cardiac deaths reported. The postoperative MACCE incidence was 6.94% due to 6 cases of myocardial infarction, and 1 case of acute stroke. The in-hospital mortality was 1.98%. Other postoperative complications occurred as follows: rethoracotomy (2.9%), blood products transfusions (69.3%), prolonged mechanical ventilation (9.9%), atrial fibrillation (15.8%), deep wound infection (3.96%), sternal dehiscence (1.98%).

Conclusions: Technique of TAMR in coronary artery bypass grafting is a safe method in low-risk patients over 70 years old and can be performed with good short-term outcome. Further evaluation analyzing the long-term benefits in elderly patients of TAMR is warranted.