Carotid artery stenting may be safe for older adults

AORN Journal, Oct, 2006

Results from a study suggest that patients 80 years of age or older who have blockage in the carotid artery can safely undergo carotid artery stenting, according to a July 27, 2006, news release from the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology. The traditional surgical treatment for carotid artery blockage is carotid endarterectomy, but this is considered a high-risk procedure for patients who are 80 years of age or older.

Researchers inserted stents into 178 patients with carotid artery blockage, 24 of whom were 80 years of age or older. The study population included patients considered moderately to severely ill, with one in two presenting with severe coronary artery disease and 70.8% having suffered a stroke, ministroke, or visual symptoms. A neurologist evaluated patients before the procedure and 24 hours, 30 days, six months, and one year postprocedure.

The procedural success rate was 100% with a remaining narrowing of the artery of less than 20%. After 30 days, one patient had suffered a heart attack, one had suffered a mini-stroke, and one showed blockage in the femoral artery. There were no patient deaths or reblockages by the one-year follow-up and evaluation. According to the researchers, the study results challenge medical practitioners to rethink treatment options offered to patients 80 years of age or older, who in the past were often considered too high-risk to undergo any surgical treatments.

Carotid Artery Stenting Deemed Safe Treatment Option for Elderly in Recent Study (news release, Fairfax, Va: American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology, July 27, 2006) http://www.prnewswire.com (accessed 27 July 2006).