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When is intracardiac electrophysiologic evaluation indicated in the older or very elderly patient? Complications

Peter A Brady1, Win-Kuang Shen

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Clinics in Geriatric Medicine
|August 16, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Invasive electrophysiological studies (EPS) and catheter ablation offer significant benefits for elderly patients with cardiac arrhythmias. Available data suggest elderly patients do not face increased risks from these procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Geriatric Medicine

Background:

  • Cardiac rhythm disorders are prevalent and poorly tolerated in the elderly.
  • Pharmacologic therapy for arrhythmias can have increased adverse effects in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the suitability and safety of invasive electrophysiological studies (EPS) and catheter ablation in elderly patients.
  • To determine if age alone increases the risk of complications from invasive EPS.

Main Methods:

  • Review of available data on invasive EPS and catheter ablation outcomes in elderly populations.
  • Assessment of complication rates in older versus younger patients undergoing these procedures.

Main Results:

  • The notion that elderly patients are at increased risk of complications from invasive EPS is not supported by available data.
  • The potential benefits of invasive EPS and catheter ablation are substantial for this demographic.

Conclusions:

  • Invasive EPS and catheter ablation are suitable diagnostic and therapeutic options for elderly patients with cardiac rhythm disorders.
  • Patient-specific risk assessment, goals, and expectations should guide the decision for invasive strategies in the elderly.

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