Follow-up results of balloon angioplasty of native coarctation in neonates and infants.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to present intermediate-term results of balloon angioplasty of native aortic coarctation in neonates and infants less than 1 year of age. During a 60-month-period that ended in January 1990, 19 infants ages 3 days to 12 months (median, 2.5 months), underwent balloon angioplasty of native coarctation with resultant reduction in peak-to-peak systolic pressure gradient from 39 ± 12 mm Hg (mean ± SD) to 11 ± 7 mm Hg ( p p 20 mm Hg) and underwent surgical resection (two) or repeat balloon angioplasty (three), all with success. None developed aneurysms. On the basis of this experience and the reported high morbidity and mortality rates after surgical repair in neonates and young infants, we recommend balloon angioplasty as the procedure of choice for rellef of symptomatic native coarctation in the neonate and infant less than 1 year of age.