Stent placement for coarctation of aorta is an effective treatment option, though it remains a technically challenging procedure. Technical and aortic complications have decreased over the past 3 years due to, in part, improvement in balloon and stent design. Improvement in our ability to assess aortic wall compliance is essential prior to placement of ISs in older patients with coarctation of the aorta.

Transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus can be safely and effectively achieved in patients with ductus diameters up to 3.3 mm. Coil occlusion does not cause obstruction to flow in the left pulmonary artery or descending aorta. Coils should be selected to provide a helical diameter twice or more the minimum ductus diameter and a length sufficient for three or more loops.

Abnormalities were observed at intermediate follow-up following IS placement for treatment of native and recurrent coarctation of the aorta. Not exceeding a balloon:coarctation ratio of 3.5 and avoidance of prestent angioplasty decreased the likelihood of encountering an abnormal follow-up imaging study in patients undergoing intravascular stent placement for the treatment of coarctation of the aorta. We recommend IAI for all patients undergoing IS placement for treatment of CoA.

The hybrid stage I palliation is a valid option in high-risk neonates. As experience is accrued, it may become the preferred alternative. However, in aortic atresia, the development of preductal retrograde coarctation is a significant problem.

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