Due to the increase in the average life expectancy and the higher incidence of cardiovascular disease with advancing age, an increasing number of elderly patients undergo cardiac surgery today. However, advanced age is associated with decreased physiologic reserve capacity and significant comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, renal dysfunction, cerebrovascular disease and chronic lung disease. These factors and effects of systemic inflammatory response associated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on organs and systems have a greater impact on morbidity and mortality in older patients than the younger ones. As a result, for elderly patients with additional multi-systemic risks, cardiac surgery is a real trauma with its own multisystemic effects. It requires a specific and careful approach in terms of surgery and anesthesia. The adverse effects of CPB on the organ systems which are traumatized by aging and associated illnesses should be well-established and examined together. Novel pharmacological agents, surgical techniques, improved technology and perfect anesthesiology preparation, management and complete monitoring are of utmost importance for the success of cardiac surgery in elderly.

Keywords : Anesthesia approach; cardiovascular surgery; elderly patient