Transcatheter treatment of aortic coarctation

Aortic coarctation is a congenital disease that consists of the narrowing of the thoracic aorta, leading to distal blood flow obstruction. Significant aortic coarctation is associated with hypertension and distal hypoperfusion, with a poor prognosis without intervention. Initially, treatment was surgical; however, less invasive techniques such as percutaneous balloon angioplasty later emerged and proved effective in selected patients. The introduction of stent implantation significantly improved the outcomes, making percutaneous repair the preferred option, especially in adolescents and adults. However, immediate and long-term complications persist, which has driven research efforts aimed at improving the safety and efficacy profile. Modern strategies now focus on advanced stent designs, offering better delivery profiles and high redilatation potential. Gaps in knowledge remain, and data from studies with longer follow-up will be essential to further elucidate disease progression in these patients. This review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of these percutaneous procedures, discussing recent advancements, clinical outcomes, and future perspectives.