Abstract
Since PTCA required less stress and shorter hospitalization; therefore, expansion of its application for elderly patients with coronary artery disease is being attempted. In this paper, we explicated the primary results and long-term outcome of PTCA in the elderly.
On 74 PTCAs, 14 patients were 65 years or older (mean 70.1±5.2 years). On angiography, elderly patients differed in the more frequent occurrence of three-vessel diease (29% vs. 8% in younger patients, p<0.05) and left ventricular dysfunction (21% vs. 2% in younger patients, p<0.005).
Clinical primary success was achieved in 86% (12/14 cases), vs. 95% (57/60 cases) in younger patients. Angiographic primary success was achieved in 88% (14/16 lesions) vs. 95% (78/82 lesions) in younger patients. Clinical success for unstable angina was achieved in 82%, vs. 88% in younger patients; for multiple dilatation, 100% vs. 93% in younger patients. There was no major complication in both groups. Repeat angioplasty success for restenosis was achieved in all cases of both groups. Clinical follow-up more than one year in whom PTCA was successful showed that symptomatic improvement was achieved in 89%, vs. 96% in younger patients. These data support the safety and clinical effectiveness of PTCA in elderly patients with coronary artery disease.
