When is intracardiac electrophysiologic evaluation indicated in the older or very elderly patient? Complications rates and data.
The use of invasive EPS and catheter ablation is well established for many cardiac rhythm disorders. Because of the high prevalence of arrhythmias, which often are tolerated poorly in the elderly, and the increased frequency of adverse effects of pharmacologic therapy in this population, the potential for benefit from invasive EPS and catheter ablation is great. The notion that elderly patients are at increased risk of complications from invasive EPS is not borne out by available data. Therefore, the suitability of this form of diagnostic and therapeutic approach should be based on the assessment of the individual patient and the clinical context, while taking into consideration patient-specific risks, goals, and expectations in adopting an invasive strategy.
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Peter A
PA
Brady
Win-Kuang
WK
Shen
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D022062:Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac; D006801:Humans