Aortic Valve Replacement Safe, may Prolong Survival

Surgical replacement of the aortic valve is thought to improve patient's symptoms and may prolong survival. However, the perceived risk of surgical aortic valve replacement in patients over 80 may result in surgery being denied or a recommendation for alternative therapy. Investigators at the Mayo Clinic challenge the way these patients have been managed. They report that repeat sternotomy in patients over 80 who have previously had coronary bypass graft surgery can be done with ...