[Coronary angioplasty versus aortocoronary bypass surgery in older patients. Role of coronary angioplasty].

In elderly patients, who need to be treated increasingly for coronary artery disease, medical therapy is more difficult and the risks of coronary artery bypass graft surgery are markedly increased. PTCA is an alternative treatment with the aim of removing the culprit coronary artery lesion to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life rather than to achieve full revascularization in order to prolong life. Experiences and risks of PTCA compared to those of coronary artery bypass graft surgery in this special group of patients are described and discussed.