Coarctation of the Aorta Treated with the Advanta V12 Large Diameter Stent: Acute Results

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To report on the early results of treatment of coarctation of the aorta by dilation with a new polytetrafluoroethylene covered stent. Background: Transcatheter dilationof aortic coarctation carries the risk of aneurysm or rupture. Covered stent implantation reduces this risk but requires a large delivery system. The Advanta V12 LD covered stent is premounted and requires a 9–11 Fr delivery system. Methods: Coveredstents on balloons of a diameter sufficient to anchor the stent in the coarctation were implanted using the smallest available delivery system. Secondary dilation with largerdiameter balloons was performed until the pressure gradient was <20 mm Hg and the stent was opposed to the aortic wall. Results: Twenty-five patients with aortic coarctation underwent stent implantation. Coarctation diameter increased from (6.3 6 3.5) mm to (14.4 6 2.3) mm (P < 0.0001). Peak pressure gradient decreased from (25.3 6 11.6) mm Hg to (2.5 6 3.0) mm Hg (P < 0.0001). The stent achieved the desired diameter in all cases. There were no complications. At short-term median follow-up of 4.9 months, all patients are alive and well with no evidence of recoarctation or aneurysm. Conclusions: These initial results show that the covered Advanta V12LD stent is safeand effective in the immediate treatment of coarctation of the aorta through a lowprofile delivery system of 8–11 Fr. Long term follow up is required.