Safety and efficacy of stenting for aortic arch hypoplasia in patients with coarctation of the aorta

BACKGROUND: Despite a successful repair procedure for coarctation of the aorta (CoA), up to two-thirds of patients remain hypertensive. CoA is often seen in combination with abnormal aortic arch anatomy and morphology. This might be a substrate for persistent hypertension. Therefore, we performed endovascular aortic arch stent placement in patients with CoA and concomitant aortic arch hypoplasia or gothic arch morphology. The goal of this retrospective analysis was to investigate the safety and efficacy of aortic arch stenting. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in patients who underwent stenting of the aortic arch at the University Medical Center Utrecht. Measurements collected included office blood pressure, use of antihypertensive medication, invasive peak-to-peak systolic pressure over the arch, and aortic diameters on three-dimensional angiography. Data on follow-up were obtained at the date of most recent outpatient visit. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent stenting of the aortic arch. Mean follow-up duration was 14 ± 11 months. Mean peak-to-peak gradient across the arch decreased from 39 ± 13 mm Hg to 7 ± 8 mm Hg directly after stenting (p < 0.001). There were no major procedural complications. Mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 145 ± 16 mm Hg at baseline to 128 ± 9 mm Hg at latest follow-up (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: This retrospective study shows that stenting of the aortic arch is successful when carried out in a state-of-the-art manner. A direct optimal angiographic and haemodynamic result was shown. No major complications occurred during or after the procedure. At short- to medium-term follow-up a decrease in mean systolic blood pressure was observed.