Our first experience in stenting of coarctation of aorta in infants and small children; A case series study

BACKGROUND: One of the congenital heart defects which can cause severe cardiac symptoms and cardiac failure in early childhood and neonatal duration is coarctation of aorta. Balloon angioplasty or surgical approach could be done for management of these defects. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of coarctation stenting to improve the condition of these patients. METHODS: Five patients with severe coarctation of aorta participated in this study. Balloon angioplasty performed for these patients initially. Each of five patients had a gradient decline after the initial balloon angioplasty, and againing gradients increased during the follow-up; then, they were treated by implanting a stent. We used Cook Formula stents for these patients. RESULTS: The pressure gradient decreased in all 5 patients with maximum and minimum reduction of 55 and 35 mmHg; and we had not severe complication during or after the procedure and during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Performing a stent in selected small children and infants that have sever and symptomatic coarctation of aorta can be effective and safe in improving patients' clinical state, and preventing surgery.