Coarctation of the Aorta: Strategies for Improving Outcomes

Abstract

Coarctation of the aorta is a common congenital heart defect through which management has rapidly evolved over the last few decades. The role of transcatheter-based therapies is expanding and seems to be an effective treatment option for coarctation, especially in adults. Patients with prior coarctation repair are at risk of long-term complications related to prior surgeries and associated congenital heart defects, in particular, the risk of restenosis and aortic aneurysm development related to the timing and mode of prior intervention. This article outlines the evaluation and management of adults with unrepaired coarctation and patients after coarctation repair.

Keywords: Aneurysm; Aorta; Aortic coarctation; Bicuspid aortic valve; Cardiac surgery; Congenital heart disease; Stent; Treatment outcome.