Patient disposition and long-term outcomes after valve surgery in octogenarians

Valve surgery is performed routinely in octogenarians. This study explored variables affecting patient discharge disposition (home versus other facility) and whether patient disposition was related to long-term survival. Patients 80 years or older who presented for aortic valve or mitral valve surgery from 2002 to 2010 were included. Baseline demographic, perioperative, and long-term outcomes were captured. Disposition was categorized into 2 groups; home (n = 184) or other facility (n = 123). The National Death Index and Social Security Death Index verified deaths. Mean age was 82.9 ± 2.5; 46% (140 of 307) were female. Discharge location logistic regression, adjusted for gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.45, p = 0.17) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation score (OR = 1.09, p = 0.10), predicted that older (OR = 1.18, p < 0.001), unmarried (OR = 2.07, p = 0.006) patients with at least 1 major complication (OR = 3.86, p < 0.001) were more likely to be not discharged home. Kaplan-Meier analysis found significantly lower 1- and 2-year (85.8% vs 94.6%, p = 0.009; 80.1% vs 90.3%, respectively, p = 0.01) cumulative survival in patients not discharged home. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated poorer 1- and 2-year survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.56, p = 0.04; HR = 2.06, p = 0.05, respectively). Predictors of follow-up mortality for patients not discharged home were length of stay (OR = 1.06, p = 0.03) and any major complication (OR = 6.90, p = 0.002); lower body mass index was marginally significant (OR = 1.12, p = 0.06). The significant predictor for patients discharged home was length of stay (OR = 1.17, p = 0.002). Octogenarians can expect excellent survival after valve surgery. Those not discharged home had poorer long-term survival. Therefore, adequate resources should be secured so sicker patients receive the appropriate level of care.