As many as 30% of journal articles may contain errors. Most of these errors involve the use of simple statistical tests or elementary principles of research design. Assessment of the thoracic surgical literature involves cautious circumspection. This does

Background Octogenarians are increasingly being referred for coronary artery revascularization. However, the prevalence of comorbid events and the propensity for neurologic dysfunction place octogenarians at higher risk for cardiopulmonary bypass–induced morbidity and mortality. Therefore, octogenarian patients represent a particularly attractive target for application of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods From January 1999 to August 2001, 113 octogenarians had off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Their data were prospectively entered into the cardiac surgery database and analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up information was obtained through telephone survey. Results The mean age of the patients was 83 ± 2.5 years, and the mean number of grafts per patient was 3.3 ± 1. The most prevalent postoperative complication was atrial fibrillation (43%). Postoperative neurologic complications were seen in 5 patients (4%). There was one postoperative death (30-day mortality rate, 0.9%). The mean follow-up was 13.2 ± 7 months and was complete for 90% of the patients. At the time of telephone survey, 85 (87%) of 98 patients were free from angina, and 91 (88%) were free from cardiac-related readmission. There were three late deaths. The majority of octogenarians (66%) reported that in retrospect, they would have the operation again. Conclusions Off-pump multivessel revascularization in octogenarians is associated with excellent early and intermediate outcomes and provides a satisfactory quality of life.