Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in patients over the age of 70 years

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Abstract
Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was attempted in 109 patients over the age of 70 years (mean age 75.9). The patients' clinical characteristics showed 55% with multivessel coronary disease, 86% with significant angina pectoris (Class II to IV), 16% with prior bypass surgery, and 2.7% with left ventricular dysfunction. Angioplasty data showed the mean percent diameter stenosis was reduced from 83 ± 12% to 15 ± 16%. One lesion was dilated in 67%, two lesions in 30%, and three lesions in 3% of the patients. A successful dilatation was achieved in 138/148 lesions (89%) with 90/109 patients (83%) clinically improved at hospital discharge. Significant complications were encountered in six patients (5.5%): three transmural infarctions (2.8%), two mortalities (1.8%), and one emergency surgical procedure (0.9%). Follow-up data (≥1 year) are available in 77 patients: 68 patients (92%) had an improved anginal status {49 patients (65%) had no angina}. During a mean follow-up of 23 ± 10 months, there were two myocardial infarctions and three deaths. A clinically apparent recurrence occurred in 14 patients (17%). Repeat angioplasty was successfully performed in 13/14 patients. Bypass surgery was performed during the follow-up in three patients (two of whom had had a recurrence after a second successful angioplasty; one patient died during elective surgery). Transluminal coronary angioplasty can be performed in patients over age 70 with a good success rate, an acceptable complication rate, a relatively low clinically apparent recurrence rate, and should be considered as a therapeutic modality and alternative for the selected geriatric patient.