Treatment of seven patients with coarctation of the aorta treated using a Mexican-made platinum/iridium stent.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, stenting is the treatment of choice in patients >15 years of age with coarctation of the aorta without hypoplastic aortic isthmus. The platinum/iridium stent manufactured in Mexico may be an affordable alternative with the same benefits as the imported stent. METHODS: This is a series of cases in which we present the immediate results of the first seven patients with coarctation of the aorta treated with the platinum/iridium stent manufactured in Mexico. The first four patients were selected and treated at the Cardiology Hospital of the National Medical Center during the year 2003, two more patients were selected and treated at the National Institute of Cardiology, and another patient was treated at the Military Hospital, Mexico City, in the year 2005. RESULTS: A total of seven patients were successfully treated with the platinum/iridium stent without any complications. Average initial gradient was 56.4 mmHg (range: 30-90 mmHg). In six patients, the final gradient was 0.0 mmHg and in one it was 2 mmHg. In the four patients treated in the Cardiology Hospital of the National Medical Center, mean follow-up time was 17.5 +/- 2.5 months, with a gradient of 0.0 mmHg. All patients are in NYHA Class I. At 12 months follow-up, the gradient remains as 0 mmHg and the patients are still in NYHA Class I functional state. CONCLUSIONS: This stent can be a safe and effective alternative to other stents available on the market for the treatment of coarctation of the aorta.