Updated review of the coronary artery bypass grafting option in octogenarians: good tidings.

This review of the literature is presented in an attempt to keep pace with the constantly changing statistics in postsurgical outcomes, which reflect the considerable strides in technology and technical skills that have been made during the past decade in cardiovascular surgery. Although there is still much to be done in terms of improving surgical techniques and managing emergency cases, the reported results of coronary artery bypass grafting in octogenarians are similar to or even better than those obtained with medical or angioplastic approaches, and the life expectancy and quality of life are similar to or better than those of age-matched controls.