Oxygen-dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease does not prohibit aortic aneurysm repair

Background: Severe oxygen-dependent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered by many to be a contraindication to open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. We reviewed our own experience with this patient population. Methods: From July 1995 to March 1999, 14 consecutive patients limited by home oxygen-dependent COPD underwent elective open infrarenal AAA repair. Their medical records were reviewed. Results: The mean aortic aneurysm size was 6.3 cm. The mean PaO2 = 70 mm Hg, PaCO2 = 45 mm Hg, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) = 34% of predicted, and forced vital capacity (FVC) = 67% of predicted. All 14 patients were extubated within 24 hours, mean length of hospital stay was 5.9 days, and there were no perioperative deaths. Conclusions: Severe home oxygen-dependent COPD is not a contraindication to safe elective open AAA repair.