Transluminal dilatation of coarctation of the abdominal aorta. An experimental study in dogs.

The optimal treatment for recurrent coarctation of the aorta remains undefined. Recurrent stenosis following surgical repair occurs in 6-48% of cases involving the thoracic aorta. Because of the high morbidity and mortality associated with surgery, an alternate approach such as transluminal angioplasty is desirable. To evaluate this possibility, the authors created several experimental lesions to test their capability for dilatation, using the percutaneous transluminal technique. The results indicate that balloon dilatation of coarctation after end-to-end anastomosis is difficult or impossible. Dilatation of other types of suture lines may also be difficult due to the large amount of fibrous tissue at the anastomotic site, which is not amenable to balloon dilatation. Thus surgery remains the preferred form of therapy.