Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Heart surgery has been performed in an increasing number of elderly patients in the recent years. Currently about 20 % of all patients in cardiac surgery are older than 75 years, however their number is increasing constantly. ⋯ Surgical pathways in the therapy of coronary artery disease or valve disease are described. Furthermore, age related morbidity and mortality and related surgical options to improve the outcome are discussed.
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Haemoptysis and haemoptoe mainly differ in the amount of expectorated blood. Causes of haemoptysis are diverse and include bronchitis, bronchiectasis, carcinoma, tuberculosis and other infectious pulmonary disease. Haemoptysis almost exclusively involves bronchial arteries, rarely vessels of the pulmonary-artery circuit. ⋯ Chest X-ray is an integral part in each evaluation, as is bronchoscopy. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is easily performed, although rigid bronchoscopy considerably extends the armamentarium of diagnostic and therapeutic measures. (Pulmangio-) chest CT scan as well as echocardiography and angiographic procedures provide extended diagnostic and therapeutic options. Surgery may be required in severe bleeding complications or during stable disease as a diagnostic approach.