[Coronary angioplasty in octogenarians]

To evaluate the indications, results and follow-up of patients with 80 years old and over, who had undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA).

From July 1987 through July 1990, 36 patients, 80 years of age and over, had PTCA as an alternative method to treat coronary artery disease. Their age ranged from 80 to 85 (mean = 83) years. Twenty five were male. Significative obstruction was considered when 70% or more of the internal diameter was stenosed. Satisfactory results were achieved when reduction of 50% or more of the coronary artery obstruction was obtained.

In 34 of 36 patients (94.4%), PTCA was successfully performed. Forty four of 46 coronary arteries were successfully dilated. One patient had acute coronary occlusion with acute myocardial infarction treated clinically. There were no emergency surgeries or early deaths. Clinical follow-up was obtained in 15 of the 34 patients. Four had repeated coronary arteriography (at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after primary PTCA) due to angina. Two of them had restenosis and were successfully redilated (the patients restudied at 3 and 6 months, respectively). Within a mean clinical follow-up period of 9.6 (ranging from 1 from 21) months the following features were observed: two of 15 patients (13.3%) had acute myocardial infarction and were clinically followed; late death occurred in 3 patients (20%) with only one related to cardiac events. Survival has been observed in 12 of these 15 patients (80%).

PTCA represents an alternative, safe and effective invasive procedure to treat octogenarians with coronary artery disease.