Embolectomy in the Elderly

Abstract

Although Fogarty catheter embolectomy has revolutionized the treatment of peripheral arterial embolism, significant morbidity and mortality may still follow this procedure. To examine the outcome of embolectomy in elderly patients, the authors reviewed 50 procedures in 49 patients; those less than eighty years old (25 patients, Group I) were compared with patients over that age (24 patients, Group II). Overall rates of recurrence, amputation, and death were 22%, 14%, and 10%, respectively. Cardiac disease was prevalent in both groups, although atrial fibrillation was more frequent in the older group (66.7% vs 24.0%, p = 0.002), and prior myocardial infarction was found more often in Group I (32.0% vs 8.3%, p=0.05).

Complications were significantly more frequent in Group II than in Group I (58.3% vs 28.0 %; p = 0.02). Special attention to perioperative care is necessary in elderly patients undgergoing embolectomy to minimize complications.