Should Carotid Stenting Be Performed in Octogenarians?

Results of a case series suggest that the procedure can be safe and effective, but its net benefit in these patients remains to be determined.

Carotid endarterectomy is associated with a higher risk for periprocedural stroke, death, and other adverse events in older patients than in younger patients. Carotid stenting is a less-invasive alternative and may confer a safety benefit in high-risk patients. The present study was designed to examine predictors of mortality after carotid stenting in octogenarians.

The study population included 142 consecutive patients aged ≥80 (mean age, 83) undergoing 153 stenting procedures. Mean follow-up was 29 months. Most patients (72%) had asymptomatic stenoses. The periprocedural (30-day) rate of stroke or death was 3.3%. Survival at 6 months was 94.4%, including only one additional nonfatal stroke. During the study period, 31 patients died; the ca…

Reviewing Author

Howard C. Herrmann, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAffluent Medical; Artedrone; Caranx; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic; Prolifagen; Wells Fargo

EquityMicrointerventional Devices, Inc.

RoyaltiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Grant/Research SupportAbbott Vascular; Edwards Lifesciences; Johnson & Johnson; Medtronic

Editorial BoardsCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Journal of the American College of Cardiology; Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Cardiovascular Interventions; JACC Case Reports; JSCAI

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesHeart Valve Collaboratory (Scientific Committee Member, Chair of the Publications Committee)