Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
Novel Percutaneous Approach for Deployment of 3D Printed Coronary Stenosis Implants in Swine Models of Ischemic Heart Disease
Published on: February 18, 2020
Palliative stent implantation for coarctation in neonates and young infants
Isabel Sreeram1, Narayanswami Sreeram, Gerardus Bennink
1Department of Paediatric Cardiology, University Hospital of Cologne, Germany.
Insights
Primary palliative stent implantation is a viable option for neonates and infants with coarctation of the aorta. This approach demonstrated acute success and no early complications in a small patient cohort.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Congenital Heart Disease
Background:
- Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect requiring intervention in neonates and infants.
- Primary palliative stent implantation is a potential therapeutic strategy for this condition.
- This study reports on the initial experience with this palliative approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of primary palliative stent implantation in neonates and infants with coarctation of the aorta.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of this minimally invasive palliative strategy.
- To determine the short-term and intermediate-term results of this intervention.
Main Methods:
- Five neonates and infants underwent primary palliative stent implantation for coarctation of the aorta.
- Procedures were performed via elective axillary artery cut down using standard coronary stents.
- Stents were delivered via a 4F sheath, with subsequent axillary artery repair.
Main Results:
- All stent implantations were acutely successful with no procedural complications.
- All patients survived to hospital discharge.
- Four patients underwent successful stent removal and surgical repair, with no long-term complications observed during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Primary palliative stent implantation is a safe and effective approach in carefully selected neonates and infants with coarctation of the aorta.
- This strategy offers a palliative option prior to definitive surgical repair.
- Long-term follow-up is essential to fully assess the durability of this intervention.
Background:
In selected neonates and infants, primary palliative stent implantation may be indicated for coarctation of the aorta. We describe our experience with this approach in five consecutive patients.
Methods:
Five neonates and infants (age range 6 to 68 days, gestation 33 to 38 weeks, weight range at procedure of between 1650 to 4000 g) underwent palliative stent implantation as primary therapy for coarctation of the aorta. Indications for primary stent implantation were varied. All procedures were performed by elective surgical cut down of the axillary artery. Standard coronary stents (diameter 4.5 to 5 mm, length 12 to 16 mm) were delivered via a 4F sheath. The axillary artery was repaired after removal of the sheath.
Results:
All procedures were acutely successful, and without procedural complications. All patients survived to hospital discharge. Four patients have subsequently undergone elective stent removal and surgical repair of the arch, at between 38 and 83 days following stent implantation. Complete stent removal was achieved in three patients. Over a follow-up ranging between 8 weeks and 36 months, none of the patients has had any further complications.
Conclusions:
This palliative approach is warranted in carefully selected patients. Long-term follow-up is required.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
01:27Mitral Stenosis IV: Nursing Management
01:23Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...
01:26Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...