Long term results of carotid artery stenting in patients 80 years and older

Introduction. We report our experience about carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients 80 years and older. Materials and Methods. Out of 582 patients who underwent CAS at our institution from January 1999 to June 2010, 102 patients (group A) were 80 years or older. The clinical data of these patients were retrospectively reviewed, outcomes analyzed, and compared with those of younger patients who underwent CAS during the same period (group B). Results. Outcomes of group B were similar to those of group A, both at 30 days and at long term. Male gender, symptoms, and not using an embolic protection device were related to long-term complications in both groups. Occurrence of bradycardia/asystole during CAS was a risk factor for long-term myocardial infarction for group A only. Conclusions. CAS can be safely performed in patients 80 years or older, with results that compare favorably to those of younger patients.