Covered-stent implantation in coarctation of the aorta: indications,materials, techniques and outcomes

ABSTRACT

Treatment strategies for coarctation of the aorta (CoA) include surgical repair, balloon angioplasty andstent implantation. Balloon angioplasty may be associated with complications such as recoarctation,dissection or aneurysm formation. Bare metal stent implantation prevents elastic recoil of the aorta andmay provide better and more predictable results than balloon angioplasty, and over the last decade, thishas often been the primary intervention for treating CoA. However, this effective option has not completelysolved the problem, since complications of aortic wall injury, either acutely or during follow-up, have beenencountered. Recently, covered-stent implantation has gained popularity as an alternative for patientswith native or recurrent CoA. Furthermore, these stents have played an important role in treating patientswith complications due to aortic wall injuries after surgical or transcatheter repair. Indications for coveredstentimplantation, a description of materials available, preferred implantation techniques and acute andlong-term outcomes are described in this article.