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Percutaneous balloon coarctation angioplasty: long-term results

Z Lababidi1

  • 1University of Missouri--Columbia 65212.

Insights

Percutaneous balloon angioplasty effectively reduces systolic gradient in patients with coarctation of the aorta. Long-term follow-up shows good results for most patients, with some infants requiring repeat procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect requiring intervention.
  • Percutaneous balloon angioplasty is a treatment option for coarctation of the aorta.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of percutaneous balloon angioplasty for discrete coarctation of the aorta.
  • To assess outcomes based on patient age and coarctation type.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 118 percutaneous balloon angioplasty procedures in 110 patients (2 days to 35 years).
  • Pre- and post-procedure gradient measurements.
  • Long-term follow-up using catheterization and Doppler echocardiography (1-9 years).
  • Patient stratification into four groups based on age and coarctation characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Significant reduction in mean systolic gradient from 48 +/- 22 to 8 +/- 7 mmHg post-angioplasty (P < 0.0001).
  • Mean residual gradient of 9 +/- 8 mmHg at long-term follow-up.
  • Good outcomes with no re-intervention needed for older patients (Groups I & II).
  • Infants (Group III) required redilatation or surgery, with no procedure-related mortalities.

Conclusions:

  • Percutaneous balloon angioplasty is a safe and effective treatment for discrete coarctation of the aorta.
  • Outcomes vary by age, with infants requiring closer monitoring and potential repeat interventions.
  • Long-term results are favorable, with minimal residual gradients and no procedure-related deaths.

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