Should a 91 year old person under go a cardiac catherization procedure?

If she has dementia, definitely do not have the procedure done. If she doesn't have dementis I would not have the procedure done. Anesthesia can have a devastatiing effect on the brain in the elderly. If she doesn't have dementia now she likely would after the procedure.

I agree with the thought of beinging in hospice. Keep her comfortable she has lived a long life. They may have to amputate the leg if they cannot get the blood moving through it again.

My question is why would you want to have the cardiac cath done? What kind of quality of life does your Mom have now? Will having this procedure done improve the quality of your Mom's life or just prolong it? Are you doing this because it's in your Mom's best interest or because you and your brother aren't quite ready to let Mom go yet? Are you doing it just because the doctor said to?
Modern medicine is a wonderful thing but it's often not realistic especially with the elderly. Just because a doctor advises you that a procedure or treatment is needed, you always have the right to refuse. Sometimes family have to ask themselves some tough questions and just tell the medical world "No".

windy!! I am only 63!!!! Oh, you meant the MOM is 91, right?

Listen to Pam. She's 91. Why put her through complicated procedures.

Cardiac catheterization is quite successful, but the leg is her primary problem, because it is close to septic if it is not already. If she was my mom, I would be calling Hospice and telling the MD's to back off. Just my opinion.

Call for a hospice evaluation.

Does she have pre-existing heart issues? Dementia? Did she do an advanced directive or ever discuss with you all if she wanted extreme measures taken? What was her quality of life before this happened?