Vascular procedures in nonagenarians and centenarians are safe

BackgroundAn increasing number of elderly patients present for elective and emergent vascular procedures. The purpose of this study was to analyze the 30-day and long-term outcome of patients in their 10th decade of life undergoing vascular procedures.MethodsWe reviewed the outcomes of all patients in the 10th decade of life included in our registry.ResultsIn a 15-year period, there were 176 patients, 102 women and 74 men, with a mean age of 92 (range 90–102) undergoing 196 vascular operations for acute and chronic limb ischemia, aortic and popliteal aneurysms, and carotid stenosis. Overall morbidity and mortality rates were comparable as well as the return to preoperative functional status.ConclusionsPatients in their 90s can safely undergo vascular procedures with reasonable early outcomes. Most patients return to their preoperative status. Age alone should not be a determinant in refusing surgery in this age group.