Endovascular stenting for aortic coarctation

Comparative Analysis of Surgical and Endovascular Approaches for Isolated Aortic Coarctation Repair across Age Groups: Outcomes and Long-Term Efficacy

Background: Aortic coarctation, a condition characterized by localized narrowing of the aorta, can be managed with either surgical or endovascular techniques. This study aims to compare these approaches concerning long-term outcomes, particularly re-coarctation rates and late arterial hypertension. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from patients with native, isolated aortic coarctation treated by surgical or endovascular methods between 2015 and 2024. Clinical and demographic data were collected from electronic health records. Blood pressure was measured using oscillometric devices, and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was performed by an experienced sonographer. The primary endpoint was to identify which treatment predicted re-coarctation during follow-up, while the secondary endpoint assessed the incidence of late arterial hypertension. Results: Sixty-nine patients were included, with a mean age of 18.14 ± 8.18 years (median 16 years; range 8 to 37 years) and a median follow-up of 3 years (range 6 months to 8 years). Of these, 67 (97.1%) underwent elective repairs. Repair techniques included endovascular treatment (24.6%), surgical end-to-end anastomosis (47.8%), and surgical patchplasty (27.5%). The endovascular group was significantly older (29.82 ± 5.9 years vs. 14.33 ± 4.25 years, p = 0.056) and had shorter procedure durations and hospital stays. One-year freedom from reintervention was significantly higher in the surgical group (98.7%) compared to the endovascular group (88.23%) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both techniques effectively treat aortic coarctation, but surgical repair offers better long-term outcomes, while endovascular repair provides shorter recovery times. These findings should inform the choice of treatment modality based on patient-specific factors and clinical priorities.

Transverse arch stenting and its effect on systemic hypertension

Background

This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of transverse aortic arch stenting and evaluate the course of hypertension and the act of arch stenting on systemic hypertension.

Methods

The transverse aortic arch stenting procedures between January 2007 and May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Detailed procedure information, technical aspects, pressure measurements, angiographic data, balloons and stents used, complications, and immediate results were examined. Early and mid-term results were assessed.

Results

Eighteen patients (10 males and 8 females; mean age: 14.5±5.3 years; range, 4 to 23 years) were included in the study, all of whom were hypertensive before the procedure. The mean weight was 56.8±19.6 kg. In seven patients, the stent struts had to be dilated due to the stent causing jailing at the entrance of nearby arch vessels. After stenting, there was a significant increase in arch diameter and a decrease in ascending aorta pressure and the pressure gradient across the aorta. There were no early mortality or major complications. Late migration of the stent was observed in one patient. Three patients became normotensive immediately after the intervention, and five became drug-free during the follow-up. The requirement for dual antihypertensive therapy was significantly reduced.

Conclusion

Residual transverse arch lesions may contribute to the persistence of systemic hypertension after coarctation treatment. Transverse arch stent implantation can be performed safely with favorable outcomes, facilitating better blood pressure control. However, it should be noted that these patients remain at risk for lifelong hypertension and should be closely monitored in this regard.

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.

Coarctation of Aorta and Post-Stenotic Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm Successfully Treated with Endovascular Stent

Coarctation associated with a dissected aneurysm is uncommon and has an incidence of less than 1%. There are few reports describing treatment of this condition with stent graft. Challenging as it may be, endovascular treatment of complex cases has become the preferred modality especially when the anatomy is amenable. We describe the case of a 36-year old male, who suffered a car accident and was diagnosed with acute type B aortic dissection (ATBAD). CT-scan revealed a coarctation associated with a large dissected aneurysm (11cm). Complexity of pathology and high risk of rupture required immediate intervention. Open repair necessitates extensive surgery with a considerable risk of morbidity and mortality. We decided to perform an endovascular repair and subsequentially the patient was successfully treated with stent graft deployment, showing durable early-midterm results. Patient remains asymptomatic to this day and CT-scan at 3-year follow-up revealed a reduced and thrombosed aneurysm.

Management of adults with coarctation of aorta

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a relatively common congenital cardiac defect often causing few symptoms and therefore can be challenging to diagnose. The hallmark finding on physical examination is upper extremity hypertension, and for this reason, CoA should be considered in any young hypertensive patient, justifying measurement of lower extremity blood pressure at least once in these individuals. The presence of a significant pressure gradient between the arms and legs is highly suggestive of the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are important as long-term data consistently demonstrate that patients with CoA have a reduced life expectancy and increased risk of cardiovascular complications. Surgical repair has traditionally been the mainstay of therapy for correction, although advances in endovascular technology with covered stents or stent grafts permit nonsurgical approaches for the management of older children and adults with native CoA and complications. Persistent hypertension and vascular dysfunction can lead to an increased risk of coronary disease, which, remains the greatest cause of long-term mortality. Thus, blood pressure control and periodic reassessment with transthoracic echocardiography and three-dimensional imaging (computed tomography or cardiac magnetic resonance) for should be performed regularly as cardiovascular complications may occur decades after the intervention.

Management of Coarctation of The Aorta in Adult Patients: State of The Art

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a common form of congenital heart disease. Adult patients with CoA may be asymptomatic or may present with hypertension. Over the last few years, endovascular management of adult patients with CoA emerged as the preferred strategy. Stent implantation, though technically challenging, offers the best and most lasting therapy. In this paper, we will review technical considerations and outcome of patients undergoing stent implantation for CoA.

Stenting Options for Coarctation of the Aorta

The narrowing of the lumen in coarctation of the aorta can be relieved with a high degree of immediate success by transcatheter methods. All methods are associated with immediate and longer-term complications, including dissection, aneurysm formation, and recoarctation. The introduction of the use of covered stents in aortic coarctation is encouraging because the material cover provides additional protection to the acutely disrupted aortic wall and can provide long-term protection of the dilated segment and the downstream area of poststenotic dilation. This review discusses the currently available options for stenting aortic coarctation.

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.

Multidetector computed tomography and 3-dimensional imaging: preoperative evaluation of thoracic vascular and tracheobronchial anomalies and abnormalities in pediatric patients

In the past decade, rapid technical developments and advancements of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) have revolutionized the preoperative imaging evaluation of thoracic vascular and tracheobronchial anomalies and abnormalities in infants and children. Multidetector computed tomography enables noninvasive, rapid, high-resolution, and 3-dimensional (3D) imaging of the thorax in pediatric patients that provides comprehensive preoperative surgical guidance for pediatric surgeons. With the increasing availability of MDCT and 3D imaging, a practical review is needed for the pediatric surgeon of the evolving role of these techniques in the preoperative evaluation of surgical lesions in infants and children. This article focuses on the review of advantages and disadvantages of MDCT in comparison to other imaging modalities, 2D and 3D imaging postprocessing techniques, and MDCT and 3D imaging appearance of various thoracic vascular and tracheobronchial anomalies and abnormalities in pediatric patients. The primary aim of this article was to facilitate the pediatric surgeons' ability to successfully incorporate MDCT and 3D imaging as a routine preoperative imaging tool for the evaluation of thoracic surgical lesions in infants and children.