Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty in the elderly

Selected elderly patients, even the very elderly, can undergo percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with a high expected rate of procedural success; however, procedural mortality is higher than in younger patients and, although long-term survival is very good, long-term relief of angina is less reliable. Patient selection is the key to optimal outcome.