Coarctation of the Aorta HD

Fact sheet on Coarctation

A narrow area (stricture) is present in the aorta and leads to restricted blood flow to the lower part of the circulation. Blood pressure in the arms and head is high, whilst that in the legs is low. Heart failure may develop. In most cases surgical repair is needed, sometimes in the early weeks of life.

Repair may involve surgical removal of a short segment of aorta, including the stricture (with the ends sewn back together) or use of the artery to the left arm to create a flap, which is turned down to enlarge the narrow section.

Alternatively it may, in some cases, be possible to deal with the problem with a balloon catheter.

Go to Normal Heart

Coarctation Repair

Conventional repair involves the removal of the narrow segment with the ends being sewn together ("end to end").

D_Coarct_EndToEnd

Subclavian Flap

With this type of repair the left arm artery (Subclavian Artery) is used to produce a flap to enlarge the Aorta and repair the Coarctation.

D_Coarct_Subclavian

Balloon Angioplasty

A catheter with an inflatable balloon is introduced from an artery in the leg. The balloon is inflated to enlarge the narrow area.

D_Coarct_balloon

Disclaimer
The facts and opinions shown on this website are as accurate and up to date as we can make them, but are provided as general "information resources", which may not be relevant to individual patients. They are not a substitute for individual assessment and advice from a doctor who is familiar with the particular patient

Last Updated 05-May-2008. Authorised by: Jim Wilkinson. Enquiries: Adam Leadoux.