This analysis reports (for the first time in the literature) that after the endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in octogenarians, survival rate is the same as that of their healthy counterparts.
This is true provided the procedure does not present complications. If any, mortality results twice as high in this group.
Using propensity score, researchers compared octogenarians with identical comorbidities undergoing EVAR vs. others with no aortic aneurysm from the Rotterdam study.
Complications rate for this procedure resulted 27% (mainly cardiac, pulmonary and access complications). This represents twice as many complications than in younger patients, which emphasizes the importance of correct patient selection.
Read also: Another Scandal in Evidence-Based Medicine: Ambulatory BP Monitoring Questioned?
After uncomplicated EVAR, mortality results similar vs the control group in the Rotterdam trial (HR 1.09, CI 95% 0.68 to 1.77). However, should there be any complications, these figures would see a dramatic change (HR 1.93, CI 95% 1.06 to 3.54).
Conclusion
After uncomplicated EVAR in 80+ patients, survival rate is the same as their healthy contemporaries.
Patient selection and perioperatory care should be carried out thoroughly.
Original Title: Survival After Uncomplicated EVAR in Octogenarians is Similar to the General Population of Octogenarians Without an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
Reference: Oscar L. Rueda-Ochoa et al. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg, article in press.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter
Get the latest scientific articles on interventional cardiology
We are interested in your opinion. Please, leave your comments, thoughts, questions, etc., below. They will be most welcome.