Balloon coarctation angioplasty: follow-up of 103 patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of balloon coarctation angioplasty (BCA) in the management of patients with native coarctation of the aorta.


BACKGROUND
BCA has emerged as an alternative to surgery for patients with native coarctation of the aorta. However, its role remains controversial.


METHODS
Over a 7-year period, 103 patients undergoing BCA were enrolled in the study. Hemodynamic evaluation was obtained at baseline and immediately following BCA; 75% of patients returned for follow-up evaluation at 26 +/- 20 months.


RESULTS
The systolic gradient across the coarcted segment decreased from 59 +/- 18 mmHg to 10 +/- 11 mmHg following BCA (p < 0.001). The procedure was successful in 82% of patients, and partial improvement was obtained in 17%. Repeat intervention was performed in 13% of the follow-up group. Surgical intervention was needed in 8 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Balloon angioplasty is an effective first-line intervention in patients with native coarctation of the aorta.
Saba
S E
SE
Providence Hospital and Medical Centers, Southfield, MI 48075, USA.
Nimri
M
M
Shamaileh
Q
Q
Al-Hakim
F
F
Krayyem
M
M
Abu-Ata
I
I
Saket
A
A
Harbi
N
N
Hiari
A
A
Turi
Z G
ZG
David
S W
SW
Goussous
Y
Y
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon; D001017:Aortic Coarctation / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001027:Aortography; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies