Covered-stent implantation in coarctation of the aorta: indications, materials, techniques and outcomes

Treatment strategies for coarctation of the aorta (CoA) include surgical repair, balloon angioplasty and stent implantation. Balloon angioplasty may be associated with complications such as recoarctation, dissection or aneurysm formation. Bare metal stent implantation prevents elastic recoil of the aorta and may provide better and more predictable results than balloon angioplasty, and over the last decade, this has often been the primary intervention for treating CoA. However, this effective option has not completely solved the problem, since complications of aortic wall injury, either acutely or during follow-up, have been encountered. Recently, covered-stent implantation has gained popularity as an alternative for patients with native or recurrent CoA. Furthermore, these stents have played an important role in treating patients with complications due to aortic wall injuries after surgical or transcatheter repair. Indications for coveredstent implantation, a description of materials available, preferred implantation techniques and acute and long-term outcomes are described in this article.