Results of stenting for aortic coarctation

The effect of coarctation degrees on wall shear stress indices

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital tightening of the proximal descending aorta. Flow quantification can be immensely valuable for an early and accurate diagnosis. However, there is a lack of appropriate diagnostic approaches for a variety of cardiovascular diseases, such as CoA. An accurate understanding of the disease depends on measurements of the global haemodynamics (criteria for heart function) and also the local haemodynamics (detailed data on the dynamics of blood flow). Playing a significant role in clinical processes, wall shear stress (WSS) cannot be measured clinically; thus, computation tools are needed to give an insight into this crucial haemodynamic parameter. In the present study, in order to enable the progress of non-invasive approaches that quantify global and local haemodynamics for different CoA severities, innovative computational blueprint simulations that include fluid-solid interaction models are developed. Since there is no clear approach for managing the CoA regarding its severity, this study proposes the use of WSS indices and pressure gradient to better establish a framework for treatment procedures in CoA patients with different severities. This provides a platform for improving CoA therapy on a patient-specific level, in which physicians can perform treatment methods based on WSS indices on top of using a mere experience. Results show how severe CoA affects the aorta in comparison to the milder cases, which can give the medical community valuable information before and after any intervention.

Chest radiography of contemporary trans-catheter cardiovascular devices: a pictorial essay

There is a plethora of cardiovascular devices used for therapy and monitoring, and newer devices are being introduced constantly. As a result of advancement of medical technology and rapid development of such technology to address unmet needs across cardiovascular care, multiple conditions which were previously treated surgically or with medications now benefit from trans-catheter device-based evaluation and management. Moreover, innovation to existing technology has transformed the structural design of many traditional cardiovascular devices, making them safer and enabling easier deployment within the chest (catheter-based versus surgical). A post-procedure chest radiography (CXR) is often the first routine imaging test ordered in these patients. A CXR is a relatively inexpensive and noninvasive imaging tool, which can be obtained at the patient's bedside if needed. Commonly implanted cardiovascular devices can be quite easily checked for appropriate positioning on routine CXRs. Potential complications associated with mal-positioning of such devices may be life-threatening. Such complications often manifest early on CXRs and may not be readily apparent on clinical examination. Prompt recognition of such abnormal radiographic appearances is critical for timely diagnosis and effective management. Clinicians need to be familiar with new devices in order to assess proper placement and identify complications related to mal-positioning. This pictorial essay aims to describe the radiologic appearances of contemporary cardiovascular devices, review indications for their usage and potential complications, and discuss magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility.

Midterm to long-term safety and efficacy of self-expandable nitinol stent implantation for coarctation of aorta in adults

PURPOSE

Endovascular treatment of coarctation of aorta (CoA) by self-expandable Nitinol stents is one of the recognized treatment methods and may be an alternative to surgery or balloon-expandable stent implantation for CoA but there is little information about midterm to long term results of self-expandable stents.

METHODS

Sixty-two patients with CoA (40 men), with a mean age of 30.7 ± 11 years, (range 17-63 years) underwent stent implantation with Optimed self-expandable Nitinol stents between 2005 and 2014. Successful outcome was defined as peak systolic pressure gradient ≤20 mmHg after stent implantation. The patients were followed-up clinically and by echocardiography and in patients, in whom there was suspicion of recoarctation, CT angiography or recatheterization was performed.

RESULTS

65 stents were successfully implanted in all 62 patients. Peak systolic pressure gradient decreased from mean 62.4 ± 18 mmHg (range 35-100 mmHg) to mean 2.8 ± 5 mmHg (range 0-15 mmHg; P < 0.001). Stent displacement occurred in 3 patients during the procedure. These were managed successfully by an overlapping second stent. None of the patients had major complications such as aortic dissection, rupture, or vascular access problems. In follow up, only three patients had recoarctation, and two of these were managed successfully by balloon redilation or further stenting 16 and 18 months after the first procedure and one patient refused reintervention. There were two deaths, unrelated to the procedure, 12 and 78 months after the initial intervention. Follow-up of a mean of 45.5 ± 17 months (range 12-105 months) demonstrated no evidence of aneurysm formation or stent fracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-expandable nitinol stents for the treatment of native and recurrent CoA is safe and has good efficacy with acceptable midterm to long-term outcome.

Avoidable costs of stenting for aortic coarctation in the United Kingdom: an economic model

BACKGROUND

Undesirable outcomes in health care are associated with patient harm and substantial excess costs. Coarctation of the aorta (CoA), one of the most common congenital heart diseases, can be repaired with stenting but requires monitoring and subsequent interventions to detect and treat disease recurrence and aortic wall injuries. Avoidable costs associated with stenting in patients with CoA are unknown.

METHODS

We developed an economic model to calculate potentially avoidable costs in stenting treatment of CoA in the United Kingdom over 5 years. We calculated baseline costs for the intervention and potentially avoidable complications and follow-up interventions and compared these to the costs in hypothetical scenarios with improved treatment effectiveness and complication rates.

RESULTS

Baseline costs were £16 688 ($25 182) per patient. Avoidable costs ranged from £137 ($207) per patient in a scenario assuming a 10% reduction in aortic wall injuries and reinterventions at follow-up, to £1627 ($2455) in a Best-case scenario with 100% treatment success and no complications. Overall costs in the Best-case scenario were 90.2% of overall costs at Baseline. Reintervention rate at follow-up was identified as most influential lever for overall costs. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed a considerable degree of uncertainty for avoidable costs with widely overlapping 95% confidence intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant improvements in the treatment effectiveness and reductions in complication rates are required to realize discernible cost savings. Up to 10% of total baseline costs could be avoided in the best-case scenario. This highlights the need to pursue patient-specific treatment approaches which promise optimal outcomes.

The effectiveness of stenting of coarctation of the aorta: a systematic review

AIMS

Stent placement as treatment for coarctation of the aorta (CoA) has become a more common choice in the last 20 years. Clinical results of CoA stenting are usually reported in small retrospective case series. This systematic review provides an overview of clinical experience with stenting for CoA.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A systematic review of the reports published between January 1990 and December 2014 after stenting a CoA was performed with a focus on relief of obstruction and lowering of blood pressure. Study and patient characteristics were extracted, as well as pre- and post-stenting aortic diameter in mm, systolic pressure gradient (SPG) and pre- and post-stenting systolic blood pressure (mmHg), periprocedural and follow-up complications. Forty-five articles met the inclusion criteria. Three outcomes were extracted from the articles - aortic diameter, systolic pressure gradient and blood pressure. Diameter increased from 6.4 mm (5.6, 7.3) to 15.1 mm (14.5, 15.7), pressure gradients decreased from 40 mmHg (35, 42) to 4 mmHg (3, 5) and systolic blood pressure decreased from 153 mmHg (148, 158) to 132 mmHg (127, 136). Stent migration was the most common periprocedural complication (2.4%), and mortality was low (0.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Stenting is an effective treatment with regard to immediate relief of obstruction and direct lowering effect on blood pressure. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding late effectiveness concerning durable blood pressure lowering, and limited information on periprocedural and late complications. This observation calls for a systematic and longer prospective follow-up of patients after CoA stenting.

Recurrent coarctation: interventional techniques and results

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) accounts for 5% to 8% of all congenital heart defects. With all forms of interventions for native CoA, repeat intervention may be required due to restenosis and/or aneurysm formation. Restenosis rates vary from 5% to 24% and are higher in infants and children and in those with arch hypoplasia. Although repeat surgery can be done for recurrent CoA, guidelines from a number of professional societies have recommended balloon angioplasty with or without stenting as the preferred intervention for patients with isolated recoarctation. For infants and young children with recurrent coarctation, balloon angioplasty has been shown to be safe and effective with low incidence of complications. However, the rates of restenosis and reinterventions are high with balloon angioplasty alone. Endovascular stent placement is indicated, either electively in adults or as a bailout procedure in those who develop a complication such as dissection or intimal tear after balloon angioplasty. Conventionally bare metal stents are used; these can be dilated later if required. Covered stents, introduced more recently, are best reserved for those who have aneurysm at the site of previous repair or who develop a complication such as aortic wall perforation or tear. Stents produce complete abolition of gradients across the coarct segment in a majority of cases with good opening of the lumen on angiography. The long-term results are better than that of balloon angioplasty alone, with very low rates of restenosis. However, endovascular stenting is a technically demanding procedure and can be associated with serious complications rarely.

Trans-catheter closure of a large aneurysm in coarctation of abdominal aorta

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Here, we are presenting a very rare case of coarctation of abdominal aorta where a transcatheter closure by a vascular plug of the feeding collateral to a large aneurysm has been done. To the best of our knowledge, this mode of therapy has never been described in persons with coarctation of abdominal aorta.

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Aneurysms in patients with an abdominal coarctation are not well recognized. This is probably the only case being reported where transcatheter closure of the feeding vessel to the aneurysm has been successfully performed.

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In this case, aneurysm was closed by a vascular plug only to prevent sudden rupture and death, and no attempt was made for stenting or dilatation of the atretic segment as the segment was long and no direct connection could be noted between upper and lower segments. The incidence of coarctation of the abdominal aorta is rare and the possibility of aneurysms in coarctation of the abdominal aorta is very rare compared to coarctation of the descending thoracic aorta. Thus, this case is being reported in view of the extreme rarity of the problem.

Aortic coarctation misdiagnosed as a descending thoracic aorta aneurysm

Aortic coarctation (AC) represents -7% of congenital cardiac diseases and is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adult Life, depending on the severity of obstruction and associated malformations. Left untreated fewer than 20% of patients survive to age 50. We describe a case of thoracic AC, diagnosed at age 61, in a woman with known hypertension since age 45. At age 56 the patient was admitted with a subarachnoid hemorrhage and, during cerebral angiography, a thoracic aortic aneurysm was detected. Four years later the patient was referred to the outpatient hypertension clinic due to uncontrolled hypertension and cardiac failure. The echocardiogram disclosed left ventricular hypertrophy and aggressive treatment failed to control her hypertension. At age 61, due to lower limb muscular fatigue, arterial Doppler ultrasound was performed that revealed symmetrically decreased ankle/brachial pressure index, suggesting aortic stenosis. MRI angiography enabled a diagnosis of AC with a large poststenotic dilation which had been interpreted as an aortic aneurysm in successive CT scans. The authors highlight the unusually late clinical presentation and misdiagnosis despite extensive radiologic investigation. The subarachnoid hemorrhage was probably a disease manifestation, since berry aneurysms are among the noncardiac malformations associated with AC.

Application of radiofrequency perforation to recanalization late stent thrombosis of aortic coarctation

We present an interesting complication of late stent thrombosis after percutaneous treatment of aortic coartaction and a new modality of treatment with radiofrequency perforation and implantation of additional stent to resolve this problem.

Endovascular management of coarctation of the aorta

Untreated thoracic aortic coarctation leads to early death predominantly because of hypertension and its cardiovascular sequelae. Surgical treatment has been available for > 50 years and has improved hypertension and survival. More recently, endovascular techniques have offered a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open repair. Early and intermediate results suggest angioplasty and stenting have an important role in the management of aortic coarctation, particularly in adults and older children.

Pediatric cardiac interventions

The field of pediatric cardiac interventions has witnessed a dramatic increase in the number and type of procedures performed. We review the most common procedures performed in the catheter laboratory. Lesions are divided according to their physiological characteristics into left-to-right shunting lesions (atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect), right-to-left shunting lesions (pulmonary stenosis, pulmonary atresia/intact ventricular septum), right heart obstructive lesions (peripheral arterial pulmonic stenosis, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction), and left heart obstructive lesions (aortic valve stenosis, coarctation of the aorta). In addition, a miscellaneous group of lesions is discussed.

Self-expanding nitinol stent implantation for treatment of aortic coarctation

PURPOSE

To prospectively assess the efficacy of self-expanding nitinol aortic stents in the treatment of coarctation of the aorta (CoA).

METHODS

Between July 2005 and July 2008, 21 patients (14 men; mean age 19.2+/-5.5 years, range 11-34) with CoA were treated with self-expanding Sinus-Aorta stents. The predilation balloon was selected to be <5 times the stenosis diameter. The stent diameter was selected to be 20% to 30% greater than the diameter of the undiseased aorta at the level of the diaphragm.

RESULTS

All procedures were successfully performed without any major complications. Predilation (mean balloon diameter 12.3 mm) and postdilation (mean balloon diameter 15.4 mm) were performed in 12 and 14 procedures, respectively. The mean diameter of the stents was 21.6+/-2.3 mm (range 18-26). The mean peak transcoarctation pressure gradient decreased from 57.4+/-19.5 mmHg (range 30-100) before the procedure to 1.2+/-2.2 mmHg (range 0-7; p<0.001). Cephalad stent dislodgement with the first-generation device occurred in 3 of 12 patients; 2 were treated with a second stent overlapping the first, and the third received 3 overlapped stents after the second stent migrated distally. No stent dislodgement occurred in the subsequent 9 patients treated with longer second-generation stents with anti-jump markers. None of the patients had dissection, arterial rupture, or other complications. On follow-up, 1 (5%) patient had recoarctation and minor stent migration after 18 months; another stent was deployed successfully. No evidence of aneurysm formation was seen in 7 patients undergoing arch imaging.

CONCLUSION

CoA can be successfully and safely managed with self-expanding nitinol aortic stents without aortic wall complications. Stent malpositioning can be overcome using oversized stents with anti-jump markers.

Intermediate follow-up following intravascular stenting for treatment of coarctation of the aorta

BACKGROUND

We report a multiinstitutional study on intermediate-term outcome of intravascular stenting for treatment of coarctation of the aorta using integrated arch imaging (IAI) techniques.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Medical records of 578 patients from 17 institutions were reviewed. A total of 588 procedures were performed between May 1989 and Aug 2005. About 27% (160/588) procedures were followed up by further IAI of their aorta (MRI/CT/repeat cardiac catheterization) after initial stent procedures. Abnormal imaging studies included: the presence of dissection or aneurysm formation, stent fracture, or the presence of reobstruction within the stent (instent restenosis or significant intimal build-up within the stent). Forty-one abnormal imaging studies were reported in the intermediate follow-up at median 12 months (0.5-92 months). Smaller postintervention of the aorta (CoA) diameter and an increased persistent systolic pressure gradient were associated with encountering abnormal follow-up imaging studies. Aortic wall abnormalities included dissections (n = 5) and aneurysm (n = 13). The risk of encountering aortic wall abnormalities increased with larger percent increase in CoA diameter poststent implant, increasing balloon/coarc ratio, and performing prestent angioplasty. Stent restenosis was observed in 5/6 parts encountering stent fracture and neointimal buildup (n = 16). Small CoA diameter poststent implant and increased poststent residual pressure gradient increased the likelihood of encountering instent restenosis at intermediate follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormalities were observed at intermediate follow-up following IS placement for treatment of native and recurrent coarctation of the aorta. Not exceeding a balloon:coarctation ratio of 3.5 and avoidance of prestent angioplasty decreased the likelihood of encountering an abnormal follow-up imaging study in patients undergoing intravascular stent placement for the treatment of coarctation of the aorta. We recommend IAI for all patients undergoing IS placement for treatment of CoA.

Acute and intermediate outcomes, and evaluation of injury to the aortic wall, as based on 15 years experience of implanting stents to treat aortic coarctation

BACKGROUND

Stenting for aortic coarctation has been shown to be effective in the short term. The safety and longer term efficacy of transcatheter therapy, however, must be well established if the technique is to be widely accepted as an alternative to surgery. In order to determine the frequency, spectrum, and outcome of injury to the aortic wall caused by angioplasty or stenting of aortic coarctation, the nomenclature of mural injury in these patients must be adapted to the conditions of transcatheter therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between 1989 and July 2005, we inserted stents in 153 patients with aortic coarctation, their median age being 15.8 years. Prior aortic interventions had been performed in 98 patients, and preexisting aneurysms were observed in 19. Stenting resulted in a significant reduction of the gradient across the site of coarctation, from a median of 30 millimetres of mercury to zero (p less than 0.001), with a residual gradient within the aortic arch of 20 millimetres of mercury or more in 5% of patients. Acute injuries to the aortic wall, other than therapeutic tears, were observed in 3 patients (2%), none of whom required surgery. At median follow-up of 2.5 years, this being more than 5 years in 30 patients, 4 patients had died, albeit none from complications relating to stenting or catheterization. Acute injuries to the aortic wall did not progress, and new aneurysms were observed in 6% of patients subsequent to follow-up imaging. Stent fractures, and jailed or partially covered brachiocephalic vessels, were observed in 12, and 49, patients, respectively, but did not result in haemodynamic or embolic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Stenting for aortic coarctation results in consistent relief of the gradient, and few serious complications in the short and intermediate term. Serious injuries to the aortic wall are uncommon in our experience, and can be minimized with a focus on technical measures, such as pre-dilation before stenting.

Surgery is the best treatment for primary coarctation in the majority of cases

Today, the availability of competing techniques for coarctation repair, including numerous surgical approaches as well as interventional ones, raises important questions about indications, risks and criteria for procedural success. Surgical treatment of coarctation is an extremely well tolerated procedure with excellent long-term efficacy due to an 88 to 96% 5 years freedom from re-intervention in patients operated on within the first months of life. If compared with surgery, balloon angioplasty features a higher risk for aneurysm formation, aortic rupture and a lower degree of success, with potentially important residual pressure gradient in up to 20.7% of patients. Stents are believed to overcome the problems of simple dilation, but concerns remain about the materials and the potential of re-expandibility in view of the growth of the treated aorta. Moreover, serious complications, including death, have been reported by stent implantation as well, similar to aneurysms or dissections (4.3%), balloon rupture with stent migration or cerebral vascular injury (9%). There is no evidence to date for the superiority of any interventional approach to surgical treatment of primary coarctation. The favorable long-term surgical results outweigh the proposed short-term benefits of angioplasty and stenting, which should be restricted to well selected cases.

Endovascular stenting for aortic coarctation

Surgery had been the traditional treatment for native coarctation of the aorta, one of the most common cardiovascular congenital malformations. As a less invasive mode of treatment, balloon angioplasty has emerged as an alternative to surgery but has not gained universal acceptance due to its rates of restenosis secondary to vessel recoil and concerns over aortic wall injury resulting in aneurysm formation. To overcome these problems, endovascular stents were introduced in the management of this condition. The early- and intermediate-term results are encouraging, with low rates of restenosis and complications. In this article, the authors review the current evidence on coarctation stenting and discuss future trends in this area.

Esmolol-assisted balloon and stent angioplasty for aortic coarctation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of esmolol-induced negative ino- and chronotropism during stent/balloon angioplasty for aortic coarctation. Balloon angioplasty and stent placement have become widely accepted therapies for native and recurrent coarctation of the aorta (CoA). Trauma to the vessel wall and stent migration related to forward displacement of the balloon and/or stent by cardiac output, are the most common complications. Controlling stroke volume and heart rate may assist in balloon stability and accurate deployment of stents. All methods currently used to achieve this have significant limitations. We describe our experience using esmolol to control stroke volume and heart rate during balloon/stent angioplasty of CoA. We performed a retrospective review of all patients who had intravenous esmolol during percutaneous treatment of CoA. Six interventions were performed in six patients: coarctation stent angioplasty in five patients (two native coarctation) and balloon angioplasty alone in one patient. The median systolic blood pressure achieved during the procedure was 65 mmHg (range, 57-75) representing a median reduction of 40 mmHg (range, 20-80; p = 0.008) from baseline. The median heart achieved was 50 beats/min (range, 20-80), representing a median reduction of 20 beats/min (range, 15-90, p = 0.048) from baseline. Optimal stent position was obtained in all patients. Intravenous esmolol controls periprocedural hemodynamics effectively and safely during percutaneous therapy for aortic coarctation, thereby aiding accurate stent placement. Further evaluation of its use during other percutaneous left heart interventions is required.

The results of catheter-based therapy compared with surgical repair of adult aortic coarctation

A review was performed to compare the results of endovascular therapy (stenting and angioplasty) with surgical techniques to repair adult aortic coarctation. The immediate improvement in hypertension and the morbidity were similar across all groups. Surgical therapy was associated with a very low risk of restenosis and recurrence, whereas endovascular therapy had a much higher incidence of restenosis and the need for repeat interventions. The long-term outcome of endovascular approaches will need to be assessed in the future.

Coarctation of the aorta

Coarctation of the aorta is an important, treatable cause of secondary hypertension. Its prevalence varies from 5% to 8% of all congenital heart defects. This condition is most often detected because of a murmur or hypertension found on routine examination. Delayed or absent femoral pulses and an arm/leg systolic blood pressure difference of 20 mm Hg or more in favor of the arms may be considered as evidence for aortic coarctation. The coarctation may be demonstrated on a suprasternal notch two-dimensional echocardiographic view along with increased Doppler flow velocities across the coarctation site. Cardiac catheterization reveals significant systolic pressure gradient (> 20 mm Hg) across the coarctation and angiography demonstrates the degree and type of aortic narrowing. Aortic obstruction may be relieved by surgery or by transcatheter techniques; the latter include balloon angioplasty and stent implantation. In the past, surgery has been used exclusively, but because of morbidity and complications associated with surgery, catheter techniques are increasingly used in the management of aortic coarctation. Balloon angioplasty in children and stents in adolescents and adults are becoming initial therapeutic options for management of coarctation. Studies evaluating long-term follow-up results of the interventional techniques are needed.

Endovascular aortic coarctation stenting in adolescents and adults: Angiographic and hemodynamic outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To assess the procedural, clinical, angiographic, and hemodynamic outcomes, including ambulatory blood pressure monitoring at 1 year in adolescent and adult patients undergoing primary stenting for treatment of aortic coarctation.

BACKGROUND

Stenting is widely used for treatment of aortic coarctation. Data regarding efficacy of this treatment for control of hypertension at 1 year is scant, with only one reported series of planned angiographic follow up. The impact of newer type stents for this procedure is also unknown.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients undergoing stenting for aortic coarctation, over a 3-year period in a tertiary centre were studied as part of an observational protocol.

RESULTS

Peak gradient across the coarctation fell from 28.3 +/- 15.1 to 3.7 +/- 4.1 post procedure and was 11.9 +/- 8.9 mmHg (P < 0.05 compared to baseline) at 1 year. There was one major complication (2.7%), with no deaths. Small aneurysms were seen in three patients (13%) on follow up angiography at 1 year. Right arm systolic blood pressures fell from 155 +/- 19 to 132 +/- 22 (P < 0.05) at 6 weeks and was 132 +/- 16 mmHg (P < 0.05 compared to baseline) at 1 year. Ambulatory average systolic blood pressures fell from 142 +/- 14 to 133 +/- 15 at 6 weeks (P < 0.05) and to 125 +/- 12 mmHg (P < 0.05 compared to baseline) at 1 year. No significant differences were seen in procedural outcomes between patients receiving Palmaz and CPNumed stents.

CONCLUSION

Primary stenting of aortic coarctation in adolescents and adults results in excellent clinical and angiographic outcomes and sustained hemodynamic benefits at 1 year as evidenced by significant reduction in systolic blood pressure and gradients. Close follow up is required to monitor aneurysm formation.

Doppler echocardiographic profile and indexes in the evaluation of aortic coarctation in patients before and after stenting

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the effect of successful stenting on the Doppler profile of aortic coarctation and to identify echocardiographic indexes that could be used for follow-up of such patients.

BACKGROUND

Doppler echocardiography demonstrates characteristic flow patterns in significant aortic coarctation.

METHODS

We undertook retrospective echocardiographic analyses before and at six to nine months after coarctation stenting in consecutive patients from 2002 to 2003. Peak systolic pressure gradient (SPG), diastolic velocity (DV), end-diastolic tail velocity (EDTV), systolic velocity half-time index (SVHTi) and diastolic velocity half-time index (DVHTi), and systolic pressure half-time index (SPHTi) and diastolic pressure half-time index (DPHTi) were measured. The severity of aortic coarctation was compared with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging using the coarctation index (CoAi).

RESULTS

The patient cohort was divided into two groups: group 1 (13 patients; age 30 +/- 8 years), which consisted of patients with significant aortic coarctation treated with stenting, and group 2 (11 patients; age 39 +/- 16 years), which consisted of patients with previous surgical repair of aortic coarctation without evidence of re-coarctation. After stenting, there was significant reduction in SPG (p = 0.001), DV (p = 0.001), EDTV (p = 0.005), DVHTi (p = 0.001), and DPHTi (p = 0.001) values. In the patient group as a whole, there was a significant correlation between SPG and DV (r = 0.86; p < 0.001), EDTV (r = 0.80; p < 0.001), DVHTi (r = 0.56; p < 0.001), and DPHTi (r = 0.50; p = 0.002). In addition, DV >193 cm/s (100% sensitivity, 100% specificity) and diastolic/systolic velocity ratio >0.53 (100% sensitivity, 96% specificity) had high predictive values for severe aortic coarctation (CoAi <0.25).

CONCLUSIONS

After stenting, peak SPG, DV, and pressure half-time indexes (i.e., DVHTi and DPHTi) decreased significantly. These findings can confidently be used in the follow-up of coarctation patients after stenting, particularly in those with limited two-dimensional images.

Results and mid–long-term follow-up of stent implantation for native and recurrent coarctation of the aorta

AIMS

Since the late 1980s, endovascular stents have been used in the treatment of several vascular lesions. In the last decades, stent implantation has been proposed as a reliable option for the treatment of coarctation of the aorta. In this setting, it seems to have some advantages, rendering it superior to angioplasty alone.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Between December 1997 and December 2004, 71 consecutive patients (44 males and 27 females) underwent cardiac catheterization for native or recurrent coarctation of the aorta. Seventy-four stents were implanted. All discharged patients were enrolled in a follow-up programme. Every patient underwent clinical evaluation, echo-colour Doppler studies, and exercise ECG at 1 and 6 months after the stent implantation. Peak systolic gradient dropped from 39.3 +/- 15.3 to 3.6 +/- 5.5 mmHg (P = 0.0041). The diameter of the coarcted segment increased from 8.3 +/- 2.9 to 16.4 +/- 3.8 mm (P = 0.037). In our series, one death occurred in a 22-year-old girl with a recurrent coarctation of the aorta, just after stent implantation. The rate of minor complications was <2%. Re-dilatation of a previously implanted stent was performed in three patients.

CONCLUSION

In our experience (the largest reported to the best of our knowledge), stenting of a coarctation/re-coarctation of the aorta represents a safe alternative treatment without a significant mid-long-term complication.

Stenting vs. balloon angioplasty for discrete unoperated coarctation of the aorta in adolescents and adults

More information is needed to clarify whether stenting is superior to balloon angioplasty (BA) for unoperated coarctation of the aorta (CoA). From September 1997, 21 consecutive adolescents and adults (24 +/- 11 years) with discrete CoA underwent stenting (G1). The results were compared to those achieved by BA performed in historical group of 15 patients (18 +/- 10 years; P = 0.103; G2). After the procedure, systolic gradient reduction was higher (99% +/- 2% vs. 87% +/- 17%; P = 0.015), residual gradients lower (0.4 +/- 1.4 vs. 5.9 +/- 7.9 mm Hg; P = 0.019), gain at the CoA site higher (333% +/- 172% vs. 190% +/- 104%; P = 0.007), and CoA diameter larger (16.9 +/- 2.9 vs. 12.9 +/- 3.2 mm; P < 0.001) in G1. Aortic wall abnormalities were found in eight patients in G2 (53%) and in one in G1 (7%; P < 0.001). There was no major complication. Repeat catheterization (n = 33) and/or MRI (n = 2) was performed at a median follow-up of 1.0 year for G1 and 1.5 for G2 (P = 0.005). Gradient reduction persisted in both groups, although higher late gradients were seen in G2 (median of 0 mm Hg for G1 vs. 3 for G2; P = 0.014). CoA diameter showed no late loss in G1 and a late gain in G2 with a trend to being larger in G1 (16.7 +/- 2.9 vs. 14.6 +/- 3.9 mm; P = 0.075). Two patients required late stenting due to aneurysm formation or stent fracture in G1. Aortic wall abnormalities did not progress and one patient required redilation in G2. Blood pressure was similar in both groups at follow-up (126 +/- 12/81 +/- 11 for G1 vs. 120 +/- 15/80 +/- 10 mm Hg for G2; P = 0.149 and 0.975, respectively). Although satisfactory and similar clinical outcomes were observed with both techniques, stenting was a better means to relieve the stenosis and minimize the risk of developing immediate aortic wall abnormalities.

Long-Term Results of Surgical Coarctectomy in the Adolescent and Young Adult With 18-Year Follow-Up

BACKGROUND

There is no consensus in the literature regarding the optimal method for repair of coarctation of the aorta in the adolescent and young adult.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed operations in 45 patients treated between 1978 and 2003.

RESULTS

From 1978 to 2001, there were 45 adolescents or adults between the ages of 11 and 53 years (mean 21, SD +/- 10) who underwent surgical correction. The perioperative mortality rate was 0% and the morbidity rate was 18%. All patients had improved blood pressure before discharge after a mean of 7 days, which ranged from 160/90 mm Hg to 90/50 mm Hg (mean 128/73 mm Hg, SD +/- 17/12 mm Hg). This was an average improvement of 35 mm Hg (SD +/- 26) compared with the preoperative pressure (p < 0.0005). Long-term results (defined as 5 years or more) were documented for 30 (71%) with a mean follow-up of 18.2 years (range, 67 to 293 months; SD +/- 70 months). At the time of last follow-up, the blood pressure was documented and averaged 122/73 mm Hg (SD +/- 11/10 mm Hg), which was a decrease of 36 mm Hg (SD +/- 29) compared with the preoperative pressure (p < 0.0005). Seventy-six percent of patients were on no medications for hypertension. None of the 30 patients available for long-term follow-up has required a second operation for recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical repair of coarctation in the adolescent and adult is safe and durable, with a high success rate in curing patients of hypertension and making them medication-free for life. The recurrence rate is low, and most patients will not require any further intervention.

Percutaneous interventions on severe coarctation of the aorta: a 21-year experience

Different percutaneous interventions can be used to treat coarctation of the aorta. However, a great amount of information is still needed regarding the long-term course. This article reviews our experience spanning 21 years in the percutaneous treatment of aortic coarctation. Four different conditions for treatment were considered. The first condition 1 (group 1) was balloon angioplasty in neonates and infants with untractable heart failure (n = 54; mean age, 1.2 +/- 1.4 months). After balloon angioplasty, most infants sustained significant clinical improvement. However, 9 patients died in the hospital (17%). As a result, we monitored the course of the 45 survivors during a mean period of 10 +/- 6 years (range, 1-19). During this follow-up period, 17 patients needed a single additional intervention on coarctation (8 underwent surgery and 9 were treated percutaneously). After this second treatment, 11 patients needed one or more further interventions. The actuarial survival probability was 83% at 19 years, with 43% of patients remaining surgery free and 23% reintervention free. The second condition (group 2) was balloon angioplasty in children and adults with coarctation of the aorta before the stenting era (n = 28; mean age, 13 +/- 8 years). After treatment, serial hemodynamic and angiographic studies were performed. The long-term relief was higher in patients with a discrete type of coarctation. The rate of late aneurysm formation was 6%. The third condition (group 3) was stent palliation in infants and children younger than the age of 6 years (n = 17; mean age, 2.1 +/- 1.7 years). The stent was implanted for nondilatable stenoses, as a nondefinitive procedure. Stent palliation provides complete initial relief in hypoplastic coarctations or life-threatening conditions. However, further stent expansion is required to ensure adequate stent diameter in the growing aortic wall. In addition, late intrastent proliferation may occur in small stent diameters (18%) and aneurysm formation in hypoplastic coarctations (18%). Both late complications can be managed percutaneously. The fourth condition (group 4) was stent repair of severe aortic coarctation in adults, adolescents, and children older than the age of 6 years (n = 73; mean age, 20 +/- 12 years). Significant relief was observed after treatment, which persisted at follow-up. One patient died at treatment (1.3%). After a mean follow-up of 5 +/- 3 years, all 72 patients remained symptom free and no restenosis or late aneurysm were detected.

The endovascular management of recurrent aortic hypoplasia and coarctation in a 15-year-old male

A 15-year-old male complained of easy fatigability, leg weakness, and pain on exertion with episodes of syncope while playing baseball. His past medical history was significant for aortic coarctation associated with a congenital bovine hypoplastic aortic arch. A recent arteriogram revealed innominate and left common carotid artery stenosis as well as recurrent coarctation. He had previously undergone three Dacron patch aortoplasties. At the age of 7, he underwent a fourth operation for recurrent coarctation and because of extensive scar tissue in the region of his prior procedures, a left subclavian artery-to-descending aortic bypass was performed. An endovascular repair to deal with the recent recurrence was performed because of prior surgical difficulties. Percutaneous balloon-expandable stents were placed in the aortic coarctation, innominate, and the left common carotid arteries. Postprocedure, ankle brachial indices were >1 and the patient remains asymptomatic after 1 year.

Novel approach to percutaneous stent implantation for coarctation of the aorta: The railway technique

Percutaneous stent implantation is a widely accepted therapeutic procedure for recurrent coarctation of the aorta. Distal stent migration during deployment is not uncommon and can result in vascular dissection. The following report describes the creation of an arterial railway in two patients with coarctation. The railway allowed for stent placement with minimal movement of the balloon/stent assembly during deployment. This strategy may decrease the risk of stent malposition and could be particularly useful in cases where anatomy is difficult.

Endovascular management of aortic coarctation

Surgical repair has a dramatic impact on the prognosis of aortic coarctation. However, in many units, endovascular repair by balloon angioplasty or stenting has become the primary treatment. Short-term results are excellent but there are few data on later outcome. Care needs to be exercised in patient selection, and although major complications are rare, when they do occur they may be devastating. This article reviews our current practice for the assessment selection and follow-up of these patients.

Self- and balloon-expandable stent implantation for severe native coarctation of aorta in adults

BACKGROUND

Balloon angioplasty for native coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in adults, though promising, is sometimes limited by significant residual gradient (>20 mm Hg). Few studies available have reported on use of balloon-expandable stents in such a situation. We evaluated the use of self- and balloon-expandable stents in patients with suboptimal response to balloon angioplasty (BA).

METHODS

Twenty-one hypertensive patients (age, 18 to 61 years; mean, 28.6 +/- 11.2 years) with native CoA and in whom results of BA were suboptimal (ie, residual peak systolic gradient [PSG] >20 mm Hg) underwent stent implantation. Balloon-expandable Palmaz stents were implanted in 5 patients (group A) and self-expandable nitinol aortic stents in the remaining 16 patients (group B).

RESULTS

In group A, PSG decreased from 62.8 +/- 10.6 (53 to 80) mm Hg to 28.1 +/- 6.3 (22 to 39) mm Hg after BA. Systolic gradient further decreased to 8.3 +/- 3.9 (2 to 16) mm Hg (P <.001) after implantation of the balloon-expandable Palmaz stent. In group B, PSG decreased from 70.2 +/- 24.6 (40 to 110) mm Hg to 28.4 +/- 9.8 (22 to 42) mm Hg after BA and further reduced to 9.0 +/- 5.5 (4 to 16) mm Hg (P <.001). One of these patients had a nitinol self-expandable stent implanted after a Palmaz stent embolized immediately after deployment. Nitinol stents were easier to deploy and conformed better to aortic anatomy compared with balloon-expandable stents. In group A, the diameter of the coarcted segment increased from 3.8 +/- 0.8 mm to 13.3 +/- 0.8 mm (P <.001) after stent implantation and in group B it increased from 4.5 +/- 1.1 mm to 14.1 +/- 2.1 mm (P <.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the PSG and diameter of the coarcted segment before and after stent implantation. With the exception of one case, in which a Palmaz stent embolized, there was no other complication in our series. On follow-up of 12 to 71 months (mean, 40.7 +/- 5.8 months) all the implanted stents remained in their original position and none showed evidence of fracture. Improvement in hypertension was seen in 20 of 21(95.2%) of the patients. On recatheterization and angiography 1.2 +/- 0.6 years after implantation in 19 patients, one patient showed an increase in PSG to 27 mm Hg across the nitinol stent and underwent successful redilation. No increase in gradient was seen in other patients. Beneficial late remodeling was seen in 10 of 14(71.4%) of patients restudied after implantation of self-expandable stent. None of the patients showed aneurysm formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Stent implantation is safe and effective in improving suboptimal results after BA for CoA. Self-expandable stents were easier to implant, adapted better to the wall of the aorta, and in most patients had similar efficacy in reducing coarctation as balloon-expandable stents.

Aortic dissection after stent dilatation for coarctation of the aorta: a case report and literature review

A case of stenting for native coarctation is described in a 65-year-old female with a fatal dissection after implantation. The histology of the aorta in coarctation and in the elderly is described. The experience of stenting in older patients is reviewed and discussed.

Interventions for aortic coarctation

The standard treatment of coarctation of the aorta is surgical. In the last 2 decades, however, treatment by catheter intervention has become more widespread, using either balloon angioplasty or primary stent implantation. Balloon angioplasty was originally used for recurrent coarctation after surgical repair but has now been shown equally effective for unoperated coarctation. The procedure produces a satisfactory gradient reduction in approximately 80% of patients, with transverse arch hypoplasia the main predictor of poorer outcome. Rates of restenosis and aneurysm formation are less than 10%. Primary stent implantation has been suggested as an option potentially superior to angioplasty alone. Stent implantation limits elastic recoil and potentially reduces aneurysm formation by reducing the amount of balloon stretch required. The incidence of suboptimal gradient reduction is low, probably 5% or less, as is the rate of restenosis. Aneurysm formation, vascular complications, and stent migration also occur in less than 5%. Catheter interventions are now an established treatment strategy for coarctation, with a good success rate and safety profile. The outcome for native and recurrent coarctation appears similar. The authors believe that for most adult patients with coarctation of the aorta, catheter intervention should be offered as initial therapy.

Pediatric cardiac catheterization

The publications of 2000 and 2001 stress how interventional pediatric cardiology has moved from angioplasty to device placement. This review summarizes the important articles during the past year that evaluated the safety and efficacy of atrial septal defect devices, patent ductus occluders, and stents to treat coarctation of the aorta. The past year has also seen the emergence of old technologies that have been modified and expanded for new applications. The three areas of old technology reviewed are (1) using balloon angioplasty to palliate low birth weight infants with critical coarctation, (2) using coronary interventions in the pediatric patient, and (3) using balloon pulmonary angioplasty to treat patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Finally, this review describes the development of a new interventional technique, transcatheter implantation of a pulmonary valve, and outlines how real-time MRI in the next decade likely will replace x-ray fluoroscopy as the primary diagnostic and interventional imaging tool for the pediatric cardiologist.