Short-Term Outcome of Balloon Angioplasty of Discrete Coarctation of Aorta

Aortic Coarctation (CoA) is a congenital cardiac lesion consisting of a narrow aortic segment which constitutes 5 to 8% of all Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). The classic form of CoA is located in the descending thoracic aorta distal to the left subclavian artery origin, at nearly the level of the ductal structure. Significant systemic arterial hypertension and/or congestive heart failure are prompt indications of intervention. If hypertension (rather that heart failure) is the presenting problem, it is preferable to relieve the obstruction promptly rather that medical treatment of hypertension with antihypertensive medications. Surgical relief of the aortic obstruction and catheter interventional techniques (balloon angioplasty and stents) are available alternatives [1].