Carotid angioplasty and stenting in octogenarians: Is it safe?

PURPOSE: Elderly patients have a higher risk of complications in carotid endarterectomy. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether carotid artery stenting (CAS) performed in octogenarians also increases the procedure related risk. METHODS: 870 patients (male 626) mean age 70.9 +/- 9.3 years underwent 930 CAS for de novo lesions (n = 851) restenoses (n = 54) post radiation (n = 14) inflammatory arteritis (n = 9) post trauma aneurysms (n = 2). Indications for treatment: symptomatic carotid stenosis > or = 70% (n = 577) or asymptomatic stenosis > or = 80%. Patients were separated into two age groups: <80 years (749 patients, 806 CAS) and >80 years (121 patients, 124 CAS). 187 CAS performed without protection (N.P-) 6 patients >80 years, 743 with protection (NP+) (occlusion balloon: 334, filters: 404, reversal flow: 6) 118 patients >80 years. Data analysis included neurological complications, death and myocardial infarction (MI) rate at 30 days, anatomical particularities. Technical points will be described depending on the age of the patient. RESULTS: Technical success 804/806 in patients <80 years, 123/124 in patients >80 years (NS). 30 days outcomes: in the patient group <80 years we observed 9 TIA (1.1%) 3 without NP (1.7%) 6 with NP (0.9%), 5 minor strokes (0.6%) 2 without NP (1.1%) 3 with NP (0.5%), 3 major strokes: 2 without NP (1.1%) 1 with NP (0.2%), 5 deaths (0.6%) 2 without NP (1.1%) 3 with NP (0.5%). Death/stroke/MI: 14 (1.8%) 6 without NP (3.3%), 8 with NP (1.3%). In the group >80 years, we observed 2 TIA (1.7%) 1 without NP 1 with NP (0.92%) 1 minor stroke without NP (17%) no major stroke, no death. Death/stroke/MI 1 without NP (17%). CONCLUSION: CAS can be performed in elderly patients without higher risk than in younger patients. But good indications, a meticulous technique, protection devices are mandatory and some technical points must be pointed out to avoid neurological complications and failures.