RESULTS OF CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY IN PATIENTS AGED 75 YEARS AND OLDER

We studied a group of 47 patients greater-than-or-equal-to 75 years old. The mean age was 77 +/- 1.5 years and there were 28 (60 percent) male patients. Multivessel disease was present in 72 percent. Angioplasty was successful in 93 percent of 90 stenoses and in 30 percent of ten total occlusions. Single vessel angioplasty was done in 53 percent of patients, double vessel in 28 percent and triple vessel in 19 percent. Incomplete or absent revascularization was present in 47 percent and 9 percent, respectively. Primary clinical success was accomplished in all patients with single vessel disease; in 85 percent of patients with double vessel disease, and in only 52 percent of patients with triple vessel disease. Complications were highest in patients with triple vessel disease: 14 percent mortality and 5 percent emergency CABG. The follow-up at one year showed 91 percent survival. The PTCA is a valid alternative method of revascularization in elderly patients with single and double vessel disease. The results in triple vessel disease are less encouraging.