Use of Balloon-Expandable Stents for Coarctation of the Aorta: Initial Results and Intermediate-Term Follow-Up

Objectives. In this study we report our preliminary results and intermediate-term follow-up (up to 3.5 years) of stent implantation for coarctation of the aort (COA). Background. Balloon angioplasty has gained acceptance as modality of treatment for COA. Some patients do not respond optimally to balloon angioplasty alone. Balloon-expandable stents have been used in pulmonary arteries and large systemic arteries such as the femoroiliac vessels, with significant improvement in vessel patency and reduction in the pressure gradient compared with balloon angioplasty alone. Methods. Nine patients (>10 years old) with CO in whom balloon dilation alone was thought to be ineffective underwent stent implantation. Seven patients had previous operation or balloon dilation, or both, to relieve their coarctation but had significant residual/recurrent gradient. Results. At the time of stent implantation, the systolic and mean gradients decreased from mean (±SEM) of 37 ± 7 and 14 ± 3 mm Hg to 4 ± 1 and 2 ± 0.6 mm Hg, respectively (p ≤ 0.002). The coarctation diameter increased from mean of 9 ± 1 to 15 ± 1 mm (p < 0.002). The patients have been followed for up to 42 months (mean 18, median 13) with no complications; the stents remain in position with no fracture. One patient underwent further successful dilation 3 years after stent implantation because of an exercise-induced gradient. No other intervention has been required. The systolic gradient at latest follow-up is 7 ± 2 mm Hg. Only two ( 44-year old with diabetes and 50-year old with long-standing hypertension) of five patients previously requiring antihypertensive treatment still remain on medications for blood pressure control. Conclusions. The use of stents in CO is feasible alternative to surgical repair or balloon angioplasty in selected patients with an effective gradient reduction. Intermediate-term follow-up shows excellent gradient relief, with no complications in this group of patients.