Carlos A. C. Pedra

Procedural Results and Acute Complications in Stenting Native and Recurrent Coarctation of the Aorta in Patients Over 4 Years of Age: A Multi-Institutional Study

Background: We report a multi‐institutional experience with intravascular stenting (IS) for treatment of coarctation of the aorta. Methods and Results: Data was collected retrospectively by review of medical records from 17 institutions. The data was broken down to prior to 2002 and after 2002 for further analysis. A total of 565 procedures were performed with a median age of 15 years (mean = 18.1 years). Successful reduction in the post stent gradient (<20 mm Hg) or increase in post stent coarctation to descending aorta (DAo) ratio of >0.8 was achieved in 97.9% of procedures. There was significant improvement (P < 0.01) in pre versus post stent coarctation dimensions (7.4 mm ± 3.0 mm vs. 14.3 ± 3.2mm), systolic gradient (31.6 mm Hg ± 16.0 mm Hg vs. 2.7 mm Hg ± 4.2 mm Hg) and ratio of the coarctation segment to the DAo (0.43 ± 0.17 vs. 0.85 ± 0.15). Acute complications were encountered in 81/565 (14.3%) procedures. There were two procedure related deaths. Aortic wall complications included: aneurysm formation (n = 6), intimal tears (n = 8), and dissections (n = 9). The risk of aortic dissection increased significantly in patients over the age of 40 years. Technical complications included stent migration (n = 28), and balloon rupture (n = 13). Peripheral vascular complications included cerebral vascular accidents (CVA) (n = 4), peripheral emboli (n = 1), and significant access arterial injury (n = 13). Older age was significantly associated with occurrence of CVAs. A significant decrease in the technical complication rate from 16.3% to 6.1% (P < 0.001) was observed in procedures performed after January 2002. Conclusions: 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.

Percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects with the Amplatzer device: technical and morphological considerations.

Percutaneous closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (VSDs) has been feasible, safe, and effective with the new Amplatzer membranous septal occluder. We report further experience with this device with emphasis on morphological aspects of the VSDs and technical issues. Ten patients (median age and weight, 14 years and 34.5 kg, respectively) with volume‐overloaded left ventricles underwent closure under general anesthesia and transesophageal guidance (TEE). The VSD diameter was 7.1 ± 4.0 mm by angiography and 7.8 ± 3.7 mm by TEE. Three patients had defects associated with aneurysm‐like formations (two with multiple exit holes), four had defects shrouded by extensive tricuspid valve tissue, two had defects with little or no tricuspid valve involvement, and one had a right aortic cusp prolapse with trivial aortic regurgitation. Implantation was successful in all patients, although in two the initial device had to be changed for a larger one. Kinkings in the delivery sheath, inability to position the sheath near the left ventricular apex, and device prolapse through the VSD prompted modifications in the standard technique of implantation. Device orientation was excellent except in one case. Nine patients had complete occlusion within 1–3 months. Device‐related aortic or tricuspid insufficiency, arrhythmias, and embolization were not observed. Two patients had slight gradients across the left ventricular outflow tract, normalizing after 3 months. The Amplatzer membranous septal occluder was suitable to close a wide range of perimembranous VSD sizes and morphologies with good short‐term outcomes. Longer follow‐up is required. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2004;61:403–410.

Intermediate follow‐up following intravascular stenting for treatment of coarctation of the aorta

Background: We report a multiinstitutional study on intermediate‐term outcome of intravascular stenting for treatment of coarctation of the aorta using integrated arch imaging (IAI) techniques. Methods and Results: Medical records of 578 patients from 17 institutions were reviewed. A total of 588 procedures were performed between May 1989 and Aug 2005. About 27% (160/588) procedures were followed up by further IAI of their aorta (MRI/CT/repeat cardiac catheterization) after initial stent procedures. Abnormal imaging studies included: the presence of dissection or aneurysm formation, stent fracture, or the presence of reobstruction within the stent (instent restenosis or significant intimal build‐up within the stent). Forty‐one abnormal imaging studies were reported in the intermediate follow‐up at median 12 months (0.5–92 months). Smaller postintervention of the aorta (CoA) diameter and an increased persistent systolic pressure gradient were associated with encountering abnormal follow‐up imaging studies. Aortic wall abnormalities included dissections (n = 5) and aneurysm (n = 13). The risk of encountering aortic wall abnormalities increased with larger percent increase in CoA diameter poststent implant, increasing balloon/coarc ratio, and performing prestent angioplasty. Stent restenosis was observed in 5/6 parts encountering stent fracture and neointimal buildup (n = 16). Small CoA diameter poststent implant and increased poststent residual pressure gradient increased the likelihood of encountering instent restenosis at intermediate follow‐up. Conclusions: 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.

Stenting vs. balloon angioplasty for discrete unoperated coarctation of the aorta in adolescents and adults

More information is needed to clarify whether stenting is superior to balloon angioplasty (BA) for unoperated coarctation of the aorta (CoA). From September 1997, 21 consecutive adolescents and adults (24 ± 11 years) with discrete CoA underwent stenting (G1). The results were compared to those achieved by BA performed in historical group of 15 patients (18 ± 10 years; P = 0.103; G2). After the procedure, systolic gradient reduction was higher (99% ± 2% vs. 87% ± 17%; P = 0.015), residual gradients lower (0.4 ± 1.4 vs. 5.9 ± 7.9 mm Hg; P = 0.019), gain at the CoA site higher (333% ± 172% vs. 190% ± 104%; P = 0.007), and CoA diameter larger (16.9 ± 2.9 vs. 12.9 ± 3.2 mm; P < 0.001) in G1. Aortic wall abnormalities were found in eight patients in G2 (53%) and in one in G1 (7%; P < 0.001). There was no major complication. Repeat catheterization (n = 33) and/or MRI (n = 2) was performed at a median follow‐up of 1.0 year for G1 and 1.5 for G2 (P = 0.005). Gradient reduction persisted in both groups, although higher late gradients were seen in G2 (median of 0 mm Hg for G1 vs. 3 for G2; P = 0.014). CoA diameter showed no late loss in G1 and a late gain in G2 with a trend to being larger in G1 (16.7 ± 2.9 vs. 14.6 ± 3.9 mm; P = 0.075). Two patients required late stenting due to aneurysm formation or stent fracture in G1. Aortic wall abnormalities did not progress and one patient required redilation in G2. Blood pressure was similar in both groups at follow‐up (126 ± 12/81 ± 11 for G1 vs. 120 ± 15/80 ± 10 mm Hg for G2; P = 0.149 and 0.975, respectively). Although satisfactory and similar clinical outcomes were observed with both techniques, stenting was a better means to relieve the stenosis and minimize the risk of developing immediate aortic wall abnormalities. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2005;64:495–506.

Stent implantation to create interatrial communications in patients with complex congenital heart disease.

A restrictive interatrial communication can complicate the management of complex congenital heart disease. The purpose of this report is to present a new technique to achieve a patent and reliable interatrial communication by using an endovascular stent. A stent was successfully implanted across a fenestrated extracardiac conduit in two patients with low cardiac output after Fontan operations and across the interatrial septum in a patient with double inlet left ventricle and severe left atrioventricular stenosis. The procedures were uncomplicated and all patients showed immediate hemodynamic improvement. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 47:310–313, 1999.

Outcomes after balloon dilation of congenital aortic stenosis in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVES To determine the long-term outcomes and risk factors for, reintervention after balloon dilation of congenital aortic stenosis in children aged 6 months or older. BACKGROUND Although balloon dilation of congenital aortic stenosis has become a primary therapeutic strategy, few data are available regarding long-term outcomes. METHODS We carried out a retrospective review of 87 children who had undergone balloon dilation of the aortic valve at median age of 6.9 years. RESULTS The procedure was completed in 98% of the children, with an average reduction in the gradient across the valve of 64 +/- 28%, and without mortality. Of the children, 76 had been followed for a mean of 6.3 +/- 4.2 years. Reintervention on the aortic valve was required in 32 children, with 12 undergoing reintervention within 6 months, with 1 death. Another patient had died over the period of follow-up due to a non-cardiac event. Estimated freedom from reintervention was 86% at 1 year, 67% at 5 years, and 46% at 12 years. Parametric modeling of the hazard function showed a brief early phase of increased risk, superimposed on an ongoing constant risk. The only incremental risk factor for the early phase was a residual gradient immediately subsequent to the procedure greater than 30 mmHg. Incremental risk factors for the constant phase included the presence of symmetric valvar opening, and greater than moderate regurgitation immediately after dilation. CONCLUSION Long-term survival was excellent, albeit that the need for further reintervention was high due to the palliative nature of the procedure.

Multiple atrial septal defects and patent ductus arteriosus : Successful outcome using two Amplatzer septal occluders and gianturco coils

We report on a case of successful percutaneous closure of two atrial septal defects and a persistent ductus arteriosus using two Amplatzer septal occluders and a Gianturco coil in a 9-year-old child.

Coarctation of the aorta treated with the Advanta V12 large diameter stent: Acute results†

Objectives: To report on the early results of treatment of coarctation of the aorta by dilation with a new polytetrafluoroethylene covered stent. Background: Transcatheter dilation of aortic coarctation carries the risk of aneurysm or rupture. Covered stent implantation reduces this risk but requires a large delivery system. The Advanta V12 LD covered stent is premounted and requires a 9–11 Fr delivery system. Methods: Covered stents on balloons of a diameter sufficient to anchor the stent in the coarctation were implanted using the smallest available delivery system. Secondary dilation with larger diameter balloons was performed until the pressure gradient was <20 mm Hg and the stent was opposed to the aortic wall. Results: Twenty‐five patients with aortic coarctation underwent stent implantation. Coarctation diameter increased from (6.3 ± 3.5) mm to (14.4 ± 2.3) mm (P < 0.0001). Peak pressure gradient decreased from (25.3 ± 11.6) mm Hg to (2.5 ± 3.0) mm Hg (P < 0.0001). The stent achieved the desired diameter in all cases. There were no complications. At short‐term median follow‐up of 4.9 months, all patients are alive and well with no evidence of recoarctation or aneurysm. Conclusions: These initial results show that the covered Advanta V12LD stent is safe and effective in the immediate treatment of coarctation of the aorta through a low profile delivery system of 8–11 Fr. Long term follow up is required.

New transcatheter techniques for creation or enlargement of atrial septal defects in infants with complex congenital heart disease

To describe a series of 8 consecutive infants (5 with transposition of the great arteries [TGA] and 3 with hypoplastic left heart syndrome [HLHS]) who underwent nonconventional septostomy techniques.

Implantation of endovascular stents for hypoplasia of the transverse aortic arch.

Hypoplasia of the transverse aortic arch is commonly associated with aortic coarctation. Persistent or recurrent obstruction can occur at this level after successful repair of the native coarcted segment. The purpose of this report is to present a new technique to treat such lesions, namely with implantation of a balloon-expandable stent. This approach was used successfully in 4 children with such hypoplasia occurring after repair of coarctation. Implantation led to both anatomical and physiological relief of obstruction in all. The patients tolerated the procedure, and there were no major adverse events.