We review our experience and also evaluate the clinical and angiographic results of octagenarians patients subjected to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and endovascular prosthesis (stents). In the period between february 1995 and august 1998, 532 procedures were performed in 400 patients, we describe a subgroup of 51 patients, who rejected surgical treatment or were considered non appropriate candidates for this therapeutic approach. Ages ranged 71 a 85 years mean (74.09 +/- 3.1). Sex: 37 male and 14 female, their clinical presentation was severe angina according to Canadian Society of Cardiology (CSC) in 64%. In 64% previous myocardial infarction and multivessel disease in 58.8%. The mean percentage of coronary obstruction was 90 +/- 9.2 and ejection fraction 51.6 +/- 8.8, the immediate angiographic success was 88.3% six patient (12%) died during 36 to 72 hours post-procedure from different causes. The follow-up period was 3 to 48 months, but had angiographic control just eighteen patients (35%). Eighteen cases were lost to follow-up for different reasons. Two patients died of non cardiac causes.
Conclusions: Stent implantation has an angiographic and clinical success with low complications profile. It is a therapeutic option in the management of advanced coronary artery disease in this frail group.