[Stents in aortic coarctation. Immediate results]

From September 1996 to March 1997 we implanted stents Palmaz (P-308 Johnson & Johnson) in six patients with aortic coarctation. Age ranged from 13 to 30 years (mean = 20), 3 female and 3 male. We implanted the stent without predilation. Balloon diameter was 12 mm in two cases and 15 mm in four cases for complete expansion we used 14 to 20 mm balloon diameter in five instances and in one case we used a dual balloon 15 + 15 mm. The gradient pre-stent ranged from 30 to 65 mmHg (mean = 44) and decreased to 0 mmHg in five cases and in one patient the residual gradient was 4 mmHg. Systolic aortic pressure pre-stent was 135 mmHg and decreased to 117 mmHg. There were no significant complications. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the feasibility of balloon-expandable stent implantation as a method of alleviation the obstruction in coarctation of the aorta in this group of patients. It is an excellent alternative to surgical treatment and it is better than balloon angioplasty that results in marked improvement in the angiographic appearance of the thoracic aorta. It eliminates the gradient, has minimum morbidity and no mortality, no aneurysm formation. Late restenosis and possible aneurysm formation remains an unlikely complication in view of the ample luminal diameter and the high velocity of flow.