[Balloon dilatation of aortic coarctation]

Endovascular balloon dilatation of coarctation of the aorta is a manipulation for radical correction of the anomaly with an evident hemodynamic effect in patients with the isolated form, in combination of coarctation of the aorta with aortic stenosis, and in atypical forms of the anomaly. Up to 90% of good immediate results were produced among these patients. Balloon dilatation may also be conducted in recoarctation after the traditional surgical management. Being devoid of some of the negative factors of the accepted methods of treatment, endovascular angioplasty is a sparing and a relatively safe method. Paradoxical hypertension does not develop as a rule. Rare complications in the zone of the approach were encountered. Balloon dilatation may be combined with endovascular correction of other anomalies, and may be repeated many times. In recoarctation and atypical forms of the anomaly balloon dilatation helps in avoiding complex and dangerous operations using the traditional methods. Coarctation in the form of a diaphragm is the most "favourable" type of the anomaly for balloon dilatation. The operation is also indicated in coarctation in patients with hypoplasia of the arch and isthmus, despite its palliative character.