Fast track recovery of elderly coronary bypass surgery patients

Background. To ascertain whether early extubation and fast-track treatment protocols are feasible in elderly patients, we analyzed 487 consecutive patients who had isolated coronary artery bypass grafting between January 1995 and June 1997, constituting the experience of a single surgeon. Methods. Management consistently applied to all patients emphasized early extubation protocol, tepid cardioplegia and normothermic bypass to reduce pump times, early mobilization and chest tube removal, and protocol treatment of atrial fibrillation. Elderly patients at least 70 years old (n = 176, mean age 75 years) were compared with younger patients (n = 311, mean age 58 years). Results. The hospital mortality rate was 0.8% (4 of 487 patients), and there was no difference in the operative mortality rate of the older cohort versus the younger cohort (0.6% versus 0.9%; p > 0.05). Older patients had a higher incidence of peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, prior strokes, renal failure, and cerebrovascular disease (p < 0.05). Early extubation was achieved in 71% of younger patients versus 57% of older cohort (95% confidence interval, 14% ± 9%; p = 0.002). Older patients had significantly higher incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (27% versus 14%; 95% CI, 13% ± 7%; p < 0.001), a factor responsible for shorter length of stay among younger patients (5.6 ± 2.8 days versus 7.2 ± 3.7 days; 95% CI, 1.6 ± 0.3 days; p < 0.001). Nonetheless discharge before the fifth postoperative day was achieved in 34% of the elderly patients. Conclusions. Although elderly patients have a higher acuity of illness, critical pathways for accelerated discharge are safe and feasible in most elderly patients.