ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of balloon coarctation angioplasty (BCA) in the management of patients with native coarctation of the aorta. BACKGROUND: BCA has emerged as an alternative to surgery for patients with native coarctation of the aorta. However, its role remains controversial. METHODS: Over a 7-year period, 103 patients undergoing BCA were enrolled in the study. Hemodynamic evaluation was obtained at baseline and immediately following BCA; 75% of patients returned for follow-up evaluation at 26 +/- 20 months. RESULTS: The systolic gradient across the coarcted segment decreased from 59 +/- 18 mmHg to 10 +/- 11 mmHg following BCA (p < 0.001). The procedure was successful in 82% of patients, and partial improvement was obtained in 17%. Repeat intervention was performed in 13% of the follow-up group. Surgical intervention was needed in 8 patients. CONCLUSION: Balloon angioplasty is an effective first-line intervention in patients with native coarctation of the aorta.
Subject(s)
Angioplasty, Balloon , Aortic Coarctation/therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Aortic Coarctation/diagnostic imaging , Aortic Coarctation/physiopathology , Aortography , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Hemodynamics , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Recurrence , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
A 54-year-old male developed ventricular fibrillation during right coronary angiography. Cough cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed for 30 sec allowing the patient to remain alert and hemodynamically stable. Cough cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a simple, often overlooked technique that can be utilized during resuscitation in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.
