Stent implantation in an adult with coarctation of the aorta in the presence of advanced secondary heart failure.

Abstract

We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with congenital coarctation of the aorta, who presented in critical clinical condition with advanced secondary cardiomyopathy and heart failure. We successfully applied an unusual technique to pass the aortic obstruction, and then implanted a PALMAZ stent. The procedure resulted in prompt clinical improvement and completely resolved the coarctation. The patient's improved clinical condition was still evident 11 months after the procedure.