My Dad is considering this procedure, but he is 87 yrs old. Should I be concerned with risks at his age?
We have performed these procedures on patients in their early 90s. If he is symptomatic, in good health and is fully ambulatory, he is certainly a candidate. The safest approach is a procedure performed under a local anesthetic only - and make sure he returns to normal activities with compression stockings immediately to avoid developing blood clots.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I applaud you asking this question and sharing concern for your dad.
The reality is that endovenous thermal ablation may be performed at any age, assuming the patient is able to walk, wear compression, and take tylenol or an anti-inflammatory for pain.
Generally speaking, this is a very straight forward procedure with little to no down time or side effects. If your father is able to walk well, and is having symptoms, he might find tremendous relief with a single procedure. Make sure that you father is having the procedure for the right reasons, and if there are still questions, schedule a visit with his doctor to clarify any concerns before the procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Depends on other medical problems, but in an otherwise healthy patient I would consider the procedure if he is having significant symptoms. I have done a patient age 90.
Michael D. Ingegno MD
Published on Jul 11, 2012
If your father is in good health and actively mobile, he can tolerate this procedure. I typically discuss risks versus benefits with older patients. If he is active and has symptomatic venous insufficiency, it may improve his quality of life and his activity. He should remain active after the procedure, wear his compression for a longer time, stay hydrated and take any medications he is prescribed.
If his health is poor and he has limited mobility, he would have increased risks. Risk vs Benefits!
However, in our practice, we have treated many active seniors without any problems. I also coordinate their care with their primary care physicians.
Norman N. Bein MD FACS RVT
Published on Jul 11, 2012
EVLT is done under local tumescent anesthesia and is a very safe procedure. I have performed it on many patients around your dad's age safely with excellent results. However, it would be wise to have at least a pre op EKG and a thorough review of his past history and meds. I always monitor a patient's BP, Oxygen Saturation and EKG during the procedure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
No, the risk is very low. The age is not a reason not to do this procedure, provided he has the right diagnosis. I have done several octogenarians in my practice with excellent results. My oldest patient was 93yo.
Rodolfo D. Farhy, MD, FACC, FAHA
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The risk of endovenour LASER ablation when performed with local anesthesia and, perhaps, mild oral sedation is very low. If the venous insufficiency is causing significant limitations of activity, skin complications, or leg pain, most 87 year old pateints would be reasonable candidates for treatment. The treating physician needs to do a medical assessment and discuss the risk, benefits, and alternatives as they specifically relate to you Dad.
Stephen F. Daugherty, MD, FACS, RVT, RPhS
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is minimal risk. I've treated octagenerations without issue.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Meet with MD and discuss.
David E.
Published on Jul 11, 2012