Covered stents in the management of native coarctation of the Aorta-Intermediate and long-term follow-up

Objectives To evaluate the results of covered Cheatham-Platinum stent implantation in the management of native coarctation of the aorta and report intermediate and long-term follow-up. Background Covered stents are being used increasingly in severe and complex coarctation of the aorta mainly to reduce risk of aortic wall complications. There is, however, limited data on the intermediate and long-term outcome. Patients and Methods Fifty-six patients received 59 covered Cheatham-Platinum stents (January 2002–December 2011) at a single center—in 54 patients as primary treatment and in 2 as a rescue. Mean age was 22.25 ± 1.2 (11–56) years and mean weight 58.6 ± 2.1 (32–99) kg. Primary end points were reduction in systolic pressure gradient and an increase in coarctation segment diameter. Changes in antihypertensive medicines and complications were recorded on follow-up. Results Mean coarctation segment diameter increased from 4.69 ± 0.20 to 15.1 ± 3.2 mm (P