Results of stent implantation for native and recurrent coarctation of the aorta—follow-up of up to 13 years

Background: To evaluate the mid and long-term prognosis after stenting of native or recurrent CoA, we studied the cardiovascular parameters in the follow-up period up to 13 years. Methods and results: Between 1993 and 2006, 68 patients underwent stent implantation for aortic coarctation (average age 25.5 years, range 5.7-65 years, average weight 65.5 kg, range 32-122 kg). Forty-six (68%) patients were aged >17 years. Stenting was performed for native coarctation in 41 and for recurrent coarctation in 27 patients, in 23 (34%) patients with a covered stent. Redilation was carried out in 26 (38%) patients. The invasive systolic gradient decreased from mean (±SD) 25 (±15) mm Hg to 5 (±5) mm Hg (P < 0.0005). The descending aorta pressure increased from 80 (±15) mm Hg to 101 (±18) mm Hg. The systolic right arm blood pressure decreased from a mean of 153 (±24) mm Hg to 129 (±18) mm Hg (P < 0.0005). Complications like small dissections were rare. Follow-up (6 days to 13 years, mean 41 months) was available in 66 patients, in 23 after reintervention at a mean of 71 months, range of 8 months to 10.3 years. Fifty-one percent remained clinically hypertensive. Conclusions: Stenting of aortic coarctation gives good medium-term results. Frequent reintervention relate to deliberately under-dilating stents during the initial procedure. The reintervention rate has reduced since the introduction of covered stents.