Endoluminal repair of aneurysms associated with coarctation

Background Late aneurysm formation is a well-recognized complication of surgery for aortic coarctation. Open surgery to repair these aneurysms is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Endoluminal repair is an attractive alternative to open surgery. Methods Data were collected prospectively on consecutive patients who presented with aneurysms associated with coarctation Results Between June 1999 and October 2001, 5 patients underwent elective endoluminal repair for coarctation aneurysms. All procedures were technically successful and no patients died. Four patients previously had open surgery to repair aortic coarctation, and 1 presented with an aneurysm associated with a previously unrecognized coarctation. The median follow-up was 7 months (range, 3 to 29 months), and to date, all aneurysms remain excluded. Conclusions Endoluminal repair is a promising alternative to redo open surgery for thoracic aneurysms associated with previous surgery for aortic coarctation. Long-term follow-up is required to assess the durability of the stent grafts.