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Coarctation of the Aorta
What
is Coarctation of the Aorta? Coarctation of the Aorta is a constriction in the aorta
causing obstruction to blood flow. The narrowing most often is located just
after the aorta gives its branches to the head and arms as it curves down to
supply the lower body. The left ventricle of the heart has to work harder to
force blood past the narrowed area. This may cause the left ventricle to
weaken and may cause an elevation of blood pressure before the narrowed area. What
are the warning signs and symptoms of Coarctation
of the Aorta? Coarctation of the Aorta generally presents in one of two
ways:
How
is Coarctation of the Aorta detected? Coarctation of the Aorta may be suspected because of the
following:
The following
tests can confirm the presence of the Coarctation:
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. |
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