What are the treatment options for Coarctation of the Aorta?
The treatment of Coarctation of the Aorta for many years has been surgical repair. This is still the treatment of choice in infants. Infants presenting with symptoms require surgical correction. In older children and adults, a newer non-surgical approach can be offered. A catheter is threaded from the artery in the groin up to the area of narrowing. The catheter has a balloon on the end of it and when the narrowed area is straddled, the balloon is inflated to expand the area (see Balloon Angioplasty). Sometimes a metallic stent is placed over the balloon. When the balloon is inflated, the stent enlarges along with the balloon to open up the narrowed area. When the balloon is then deflated and removed, the metal stent retains its enlarged shape and keeps the artery open.
