Immediate and intermediate results of stent therapy for aortic coarctation

Abstract Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the immediate and intermediate outcomes of stent therapy for coarctation or recoarctation of the aorta. Setting Tertiary referral centres. Methods A case review of all patients who have undergone stent implantation for coarctation of aorta in the Netherlands and Belgium. Results Stents were implanted in 33 patients (mean age 21±16 years) and successful outcome occurred acutely in 32 of these 33 patients. Peak systolic blood pressure decreased from 149±37 to 124±24 mmHg. The pressure gradient decreased from 37±16 to 7±7 mmHg. The diameter of the coarctation segment increased from 7.3±3.8 to 13.3±3.9 mm. Three patients had major complications and three had minor complications. During a mean follow-up of 21±17 months recoarctation was found in ten patients, seven of whom have undergone further procedures. There were no deaths at follow-up. Conclusions Stent implantation is a good alternative to balloon dilation in selected patients with coarctation of the aorta. However, follow-up evaluation reveals a varying incidence of recoarctation and the long-term outcomes need to be determined.