Balloon angioplasty of coarctation of the aorta: a safe alternative for surgery in adults: immediate and mid-term results.

Patients with coarctation of the aorta can be treated either with surgery or with balloon angioplasty. So far, the last method has proved to be successful in children, but results of this treatment in (young) adults are virtually unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate and mid-term follow-up results of balloon angioplasty of native coarctation in (mainly young) adults. Coarctation of the aorta was diagnosed by means of ultrasound or angiography, and defined as a stenosis with a pressure gradient greater than 20 mm Hg. The balloon angioplasty-procedure was carried out under complete anesthesia, and was considered to be successful, if the pressure gradient was reduced to less than 20 mm Hg. Nineteen consecutive adults (12 males, 7 females; aged 14-67 years, median 29) with native coarctation were treated from 1995-99. Mean pressure gradient decreased from 49.3+/- 20.8 to 4.8+/-8.2 mm Hg (P<0.0001). One patient showed a suboptimal result with a residual pressure gradient of 28 mm Hg. In one other patient a stent was placed on request of the referring physician. Follow-up was 100% complete and ranged from 3-47 months (mean 20.2+/- 12.9). At 1-year follow-up mean systolic blood pressure was reduced from 159.4+/-19.5 to 132.5+/-17.6 mm Hg (n = 18; P<0.0001), and mean ankle-arm pressure index improved from 0.73+/-0.09 to 0.96+/-0.05 (n = 18; P<0.0001). Anti-hypertensive medication could either be reduced or stopped in 7 patients (53.8%). With ultrasound or angiography or MRI, no patients had signs of aneurysm formation or worsening restenosis during follow-up. In adult patients with uncomplicated native coarctation of the aorta, balloon angioplasty (without stenting) would seem to be an excellent and safe alternative for surgery. In our hospital it has completely replaced surgical correction in such patients.     

覆膜CP支架治疗主动脉缩窄的临床应用研究

目的:探讨覆膜(cheatham-platinum,CP)支架治疗青少年及成人先天性主动脉缩窄的临床应用价值。方法:回顾性分析2005年4月至2012年6月期间,接受CP支架介入治疗的23例主动脉缩窄患者,男性17例、女性6例,年龄12～29岁,平均(19.79±5.16)岁,体质量36～65 kg,平均(52.74±8.33)kg。患者术前经主动脉CTA检查,主动脉缩窄段平均直径4.2～11.7 mm,平均(6.53±1.89)mm,缩窄段长度5～23 mm,平均(14.63±4.64)mm。由股动脉穿刺入路置入装有支架的球囊导管,确切定位后扩张(balloon in balloon,BIB)球囊释放CP支架。结果:23例主动脉缩窄患者CP支架均成功置入,2例患者合并动脉导管未闭。术前缩窄段平均收缩压力阶差(63.8±17.6)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa),术后缩窄段平均收缩压力阶差降至(6.47±2.12)mmHg;术后主动脉缩窄段直径增至(21.78±3.19)mm。随访3～12个月,除2例患者术后需继续控制血压外,余患者无上下肢压力阶差及高血压表现。复查CT示缩窄段管腔未发生再狭窄及其它并发症。结论:CP支架对治疗青少年及成人主动脉缩窄的近期疗效满意,远期效果有待进一步观察。     

Balloon coarctation angioplasty in adolescents and adults: early and intermediate results.

Twenty-three adolescent and adult patients with native coarctation of the aorta underwent balloon dilatation. Dissection of the aorta developed in one patient. Data were collected on the remaining 22 patients. They ranged in age from 15 to 55 years (mean 23 +/- 9.2 years). Invasive measurement of the peak systolic gradient (PSG) and biplane angiography were performed before and immediately after angioplasty and at follow-up 4 to 48 months (mean 15 months) later. PSG before dilatation was 37 to 100 mm Hg (mean 66.9 +/- 19.9 mm Hg) and decreased to 0 to 30 mm Hg (mean 9.1 +/- 11 mm Hg) immediately after dilatation (p less than 0.001). Restenosis occurred in two patients 6 months after dilatation, and one patient had an incomplete dilatation. These three patients underwent successful redilatation and remained improved 12 to 19 months later. There was no significant change in gradient at repeat catheterization in the remaining 20 patients. PSG was 0 to 20 mm Hg (mean 5.8 +/- 7.2 mm Hg). Angiography showed that a small aneurysm developed in one patient immediately after dilatation and in another 6 months later. Eleven patients were restudied more than once, and no change in gradient or size of the aneurysm was noted at mean follow-up 25 months after dilatation. This study demonstrated that balloon angioplasty is an effective method of treating adolescent and adult patient with native coarctation of the aorta. However, because of the uncertain natural history of aneurysm after dilatation, this procedure should be considered investigational until much longer follow-up times are available.     

Remodeling of the aorta after successful balloon coarctation angioplasty

The purpose of this study was to examine whether remodeling of the aorta takes place after successful balloon angioplasty of aortic coarctation. During the 35 month period ending in December 1987, 30 children, aged 14 days to 13 years, underwent balloon angioplasty of unoperated aortic coarctation, with a resultant reduction in mean coarctation gradient from 44 +/- 20 to 10 +/- 8 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). On the basis of results of 6 to 30 months' follow-up catheterization data in 20 children, the patients were classified into group A (13 patients with good results; gradient less than or equal to 20 mm Hg and no recoarctation on angiography) and group B (7 patients with fair or poor results; gradient greater than 20 mm Hg with or without recoarctation on angiography). Measurements of the aorta at five sites (the ascending aorta, isthmus, coarcted segment and descending aorta distal to the coarctation and at the level of the diaphragm) were made in two angiographic views, corrected for magnification and averaged. A standardized diameter of the aorta at the five locations was calculated for each case before angioplasty and at follow-up study, and variance of the diameter was then determined. The variance of standardized aortic measures (0.233 versus 0.287) was similar (p greater than 0.05) in both groups before angioplasty, whereas at follow-up study (0.057 versus 0.129) they were different (p = 0.01). There was a greater percent improvement at follow-up study (0.233 versus 0.057) in the group with good results than in the group with fair or poor results (0.287 versus 0.129).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Angioplasty for coarctation of the aorta: long-term results

Balloon coarctation angioplasty (BCA) was performed in seven consecutive patients (five boys and two girls) 18 months to 18 years old (mean 9.5) with isolated discrete unoperated coarctation of the aorta. A No. 8F or 9F catheter was chosen with balloon lengths of 30 or 40 mm and maximum inflation diameters 1 mm less than the smallest measured aortic diameter determined 1 cm proximal to the coarctation site. A 10 sec inflation-deflation cycle of 6 to 8 atmospheres (90 to 120 psi) was performed. The peak systolic pressure gradient (PSG) before BCA ranged from 35 to 70 mm Hg (mean 58), and immediately after BCA it decreased to 0 to 20 mm Hg (mean 7). One to two year follow-up (mean 14 months) of the seven patients revealed a PSG range of 10 to 30 mm Hg (mean 19). Repeat angiography was performed immediately proximal to the coarctation site. Three patients (43%) had evidence of aneurysm formation at or immediately distal to the balloon dilatation site. One patient had coarctation restenosis. While initial results with BCA for unoperated coarctation were encouraging, current data raise serious concerns about its long-term safety and efficacy.     

Aortic isthmus stenoses--dilatation in adulthood. A German cooperative study

An analysis of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the coarctation of the aorta in adults was evaluated in a cooperative study of the German Working Group of Angioplasty of the German Society of Cardiology. Dilation was performed in 18 patients with a mean age of 26 years (14-49 years). The success rate (gradient less than or equal to 20 mm Hg) was 78% regarding peak to peak gradient, 89% regarding mean gradient. The peak-to-peak gradient decreased from 82 +/- 16 mm Hg to 18 +/- 11 mm Hg. The diameter of the aortic isthmus increased from 0.7 +/- 0.3 cm to 1.3 +/- 0.4 cm (p less than 0.01). After six months only one restenosis occurred. The peak-to-peak gradient measured 10 +/- 12 mm Hg, the diameter 1.4 +/- 0.5 cm. In two patients a balloon rupture occurred without rupture-related complications. No patients died, no cross paralysis or aortic rupture occurred. In three of seven patients with trans-esophageal echocardiographic monitoring a small intimal flap was found; in one patient a media dissection occurred leading to a 15-min period of chest pain and spontaneous healing. In another patient successful dilation was controlled by acute control aortography and computer tomography. After discharge severe chest pain developed. A subtraction angiography of the aorta was negative. Six months later a biplane aortography of the distal thoracic aorta confirmed the diagnosis of aortic dissection type III DeBakey, previously diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

食管超声引导覆膜支架介入治疗胸主动脉夹层

目的　评价应用食管超声经股动脉植入覆膜支架治疗DeBakeyⅢb型主动脉夹层动脉瘤的安全性和效果。方法　 8例男性患者均经磁共振血管造影 (MRA)证实为DeBakeyⅢb型主动脉夹层。平均年龄 55 8± 10 2 (2 8～ 71)岁。在食管超声引导和透视监测下 ,经股动脉切开植入覆膜支架封闭近端或近、远端主动脉夹层破口。并评价术后即刻和随访结果。结果　 8例患者共成功植入覆膜支架 11枚 ,支架平均直径为 2 9 4(2 2～ 3 8)mm。术后即刻 3例有极少量内漏 ,2例有微量烟雾状分流。 1例在球囊扩张后升主动脉出现局限夹层。术后平均住院时间为 9d。随访 8例 ,平均随访时间 10 5(6～ 18)个月 ,4例残余分流消失 ,无发生支架移位或新生内漏者。升主动脉局限夹层患者于术后 11个月行MRA复查示病情稳定未再发展。 1例于术后 1年复查MRA仍有极少量内漏 ,后因咯血突发死亡。结论　联合应用食管超声 ,经股动脉植入覆膜支架治疗DeBakeyⅢb型主动脉夹层是一项有前景的方法 ,而且创伤小、安全有效 ,近中期效果满意 ,远期结果需进一步观察     

Balloon dilation of unoperated coarctation of the aorta: short- and intermediate-term results

Balloon dilation is effective in the immediate relief of obstruction due to unoperated coarctation of the aorta. However, the long-term benefits and complications of this procedure have not been established. Thirty-three patients underwent balloon dilation of unoperated coarctation using a percutaneous technique from November 1983 to December 1985. High quality biplane angiography was performed before and after dilation. Follow-up was obtained in 20 patients from 6 to 31 months following dilation. Angiography was performed at follow-up in 10, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging in 10 and both NMR imaging and angiography in 3. Balloon dilation was successful in 31 of the 33 patients with a decrease in average systolic pressure gradient from 46 to 8 mm Hg. There was no significant change in gradient on follow-up physical examination and at recatheterization in 10 patients. In addition, there was no evidence of restenosis on follow-up angiography and NMR imaging. In two patients, a small aneurysm formed at the site of balloon dilation. Balloon dilation of unoperated coarctation is effective, providing lasting relief of coarctation gradient and no evidence of restenosis. However, because of the uncertain natural history of aneurysms after dilation, this procedure should be considered investigational until further follow-up on patients with and without an aneurysm is available.     

Balloon angioplasty for coarctation of the aorta: immediate and long-term results

Twenty-five infants and children with native coarctation of the aorta had percutaneous balloon angioplasty over a 28-month period ending in May, 1987. The mean systolic pressure gradient across the coarctation decreased from 47.6 +/- 20.9 mm Hg to 10.3 +/- 7.3 mm Hg (p less than 0.001) following angioplasty, and the diameter of the coarcted segment increased from 3.2 +/- 1.7 mm to 7.8 +/- 3.5 mm (p less than 0.001). Clinical and echo-Doppler follow-up indicated excellent results in 16 of the 18 patients in whom 3- to 22-month follow-up was available; two infants required additional treatment (repeat angioplasty in one and surgical resection in the other). Fourteen patients who underwent repeat cardiac catheterization remain improved with regard to pressure gradient across the dilated coarctation (9.5 +/- 9.6 mm Hg, p less than 0.001) and angiographically measured sizes of the coarcted segment (10.3 +/- 3.2 mm, p less than 0.001). No aneurysm was seen in any child. We recommend balloon angioplasty as the therapeutic procedure of choice for relief of severe, previously unoperated coarctation of the aorta in neonates and young infants. Routine use of balloon angioplasty for unoperated coarctation of the aorta in children appears indicated, but should await longer follow-up results and reports of follow-up on a larger number of patients; this caution is mainly based on reports from other workers of aneurysm formation at the site of balloon dilatation.     

Percutaneous recanalization and balloon angioplasty of congenital isolated local atresia of the aortic isthmus in adults.

Congenital isolated local atresia of the aortic isthmus is anatomically similar and morphogenetically related to congenital coarctation of the aorta and was encountered in 4 out of 26 consecutive adult patients selected for coarctation angioplasty at our center. Anterograde recanalization of the atresia was safely and successfully accomplished in all four patients, using a brachial approach. Balloon dilation in the four patients, with ancillary stent implantation in one patient, resulted in reduction of translesion gradient from 84 +/- 11 mm Hg to 9 +/- 7 mm Hg without complications. Angiography in the three non-stented patients after a mean follow-up of 13 months showed no evidence of restenosis, dissection or aneurysm formation, though one patient had mild dilatation of the posterior aspect of the aortic isthmus. The clinical presentation of patients with isolated local aortic atresia, and their short- to mid-term response to percutaneous treatment, is similar to that of patients with isolated severe coarctation of aorta.     

Balloon angioplasty of native coarctation of the aorta in adolescents and young adults.

Balloon angioplasty of native coarctation of the aorta was performed in 35 consecutive adolescents and young adults, aged 14 to 37 years (mean 22.6 +/- 7.1). Twenty-eight (80%) patients had isolated discrete coarctation, six (17.1%) had tubular hypoplasia of the aortic isthmus, and one (2.9%) had hypoplasia of the post-coarctation aorta. The peak systolic pressure gradient decreased from 78.5 +/- 23.9 to 15.7 +/- 11.6 mm Hg (p less than 0.001), and the mean coarctation diameter increased from 4.7 +/- 2.4 to 13.1 +/- 2.7 mm (p less than 0.001) immediately after angioplasty. Patients with discrete-type coarctation had significantly less residual gradient than patients with long-segment tubular coarctation (12.3 +/- 10.7 vs 27.2 +/- 6.6 mm Hg, p less than 0.01). On recatheterization and angiography in 26 patients at 12.6 +/- 1.5 months after dilatation, there was no significant change in gradient (15.5 +/- 13.3 mm Hg) and diameter (13.1 +/- 1.8 mm) from the immediate post-angioplasty results. However, two patients had an increase in gradient and three had small aortic aneurysms with no change in appearance on restudy after 2 years. After 3 to 67 months' (mean 32.7 +/- 19.2) follow-up, all patients showed continued clinical improvement. Hypertension was relieved in 37.5% (12/32) and improved in 59.4% (19/32). Our experience suggests that balloon angioplasty of native aortic coarctation in adolescents and young adults is safe and highly effective with sustained improvement on intermediate-term follow-up.     

Balloon coarctation angioplasty: follow-up of 103 patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of balloon coarctation angioplasty (BCA) in the management of patients with native coarctation of the aorta. BACKGROUND: BCA has emerged as an alternative to surgery for patients with native coarctation of the aorta. However, its role remains controversial. METHODS: Over a 7-year period, 103 patients undergoing BCA were enrolled in the study. Hemodynamic evaluation was obtained at baseline and immediately following BCA; 75% of patients returned for follow-up evaluation at 26 +/- 20 months. RESULTS: The systolic gradient across the coarcted segment decreased from 59 +/- 18 mmHg to 10 +/- 11 mmHg following BCA (p < 0.001). The procedure was successful in 82% of patients, and partial improvement was obtained in 17%. Repeat intervention was performed in 13% of the follow-up group. Surgical intervention was needed in 8 patients. CONCLUSION: Balloon angioplasty is an effective first-line intervention in patients with native coarctation of the aorta.     

Stenting for restenotic lesions with the BARD XT stent

BACKGROUND: Conventional PTCA for the treatment of restenotic lesions is associated with a high rate of recurrence (30-50%). Primary stenting decreases the restenosis rate at long-term follow-up. METHODS: One-hundred consecutive patients with restenosis received a Bard XT stent. Follow-up angiography was performed after 6 months. Angiograms were compared by means of computed quantitative analysis. RESULTS: The mean pretreatment reference diameter was 2.88 +/- 0.51 mm. The mean minimal luminal diameter (MLD) increased from 1.09 +/- 0.57 mm to 2.70 +/- 0.44 mm. The percent diameter stenosis decreased from 66 +/- 13% to 15 +/- 10%. The procedural success rate was 99%. At 6 month follow-up repeat angiography was performed in 86 patients. The mean MLD was 1.74 +/- 0.67 mm with a mean diameter stenosis of 41 +/- 20%. Residual anginal complaints were reported in 29% of patients. In-stent restenosis (defined as diameter stenosis of more than 50%) occurred in 18% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Placement of the Bard XT stent in restenotic lesions is feasible, has an excellent short term outcome and yields a favorable result at 6 month follow-up angiography.     

Intravascular ultrasound in patients with suspected aortic dissection: comparison with transesophageal echocardiography]

Thirteen patients with suspected aortic dissection (two women, 11 men, age 61 +/- 10.8 years) underwent transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), angiography, and in part computed tomography (CT). TEE was performed using 3.5 or 3.75 MHz ultrasound transducers. IVUS examination was done using a 6F 20 MHz "rotational-tip" IVUS catheter (Boston Scientific) advanced over a guiding-wire positioned in the ascending aorta by the "side-saddle" technique. In two patients it was not possible to advance the catheter into the abdominal aorta. Of the remaining 11 patients, eight had aortic dissection (six Typ III, one Typ II, and one Typ I, de Bakey classification). Two patients had aortic aneurysms without dissection and one patient had a perforation of the ascending aorta. TEE, CT, and angiography led to the correct diagnosis in all patients, while IVUS failed to provide precise information within the ascending aorta and the aortic arch. Reasons were the limited scanfield of the 20 MHz transducer and the inability to steer and position the IVUS catheter. Contrary to the limited value in the ascending aorta, IVUS could successfully scan the entire descending aorta, including the dissection membrane and the originating vessels, if the max. diameter was less than 4 cm. No adverse effects occurred. Intravascular ultrasound allows to scan the entire aorta in patients with suspected aortic dissection. The current limitations can be solved only by the introduction of steerable and/or low frequency catheters.     

Influence of intimal dissection on restenosis after successful coronary angioplasty

We studied 986 patients who underwent follow-up angiography after successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) to determine the influence of uncomplicated intimal dissection on restenosis rate. Angiographic evidence of intimal dissection after PTCA was present in 248 patients or 25%. After a mean follow-up time of 7 +/- 5 months (SD) the restenosis rate in patients without intimal dissection was 30% compared with 24% in patients with intimal dissection (p = .08). Patients with available transstenotic pressure gradients were divided according to the hemodynamic result into two subgroups: those with final gradients at the conclusion of PTCA of 15 mm Hg or less (n = 638) and those with gradients greater than 15 mm Hg (n = 244). Patients with intimal dissection had a significantly lower restenosis rate than patients without intimal dissection if the final gradient was 15 mm Hg or less (19% vs 28%; p less than .05). If the final gradient was greater than 15 mm Hg, the presence or absence of intimal dissection had no significant influence on restenosis rate, which was 35% and 39%, respectively (p = NS). We conclude that an uncomplicated intimal dissection after a successful coronary angioplasty has no adverse influence on angiographic restenosis. An excellent angiographic long-term outcome can be expected if the intimal dissection is associated with a favorable hemodynamic result.     

Surgical repair is safe and effective after unsuccessful balloon angioplasty of native coarctation of the aorta.

Since 1985 balloon angioplasty, followed by surgical repair if angioplasty is unsuccessful, has been used as a treatment strategy for eligible children with discrete native coarctation of the aorta. Although balloon angioplasty has been successful in most patients, this strategy is appropriate only if surgery is safe and effective in children in whom angioplasty does not succeed. To address this issue, the surgical procedure and clinical outcome in 11 children who underwent surgery after unsuccessful balloon angioplasty (defined as a residual systolic gradient greater than 20 mm Hg in 10 and a saccular aneurysm in 1) were evaluated. Data for subjects were compared with data for a control group of seven children who had surgical repair of a discrete coarctation without prior angioplasty during the same time period. In the study group, balloon angioplasty was performed at 4.3 +/- 1.2 years of age, resulting in a balloon/isthmus ratio of 0.98 +/- 0.05 and decreasing mean peak systolic gradient from 54 +/- 3 to 27 +/- 2 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). Follow-up angiography (n = 7) or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (n = 4) documented a discrete residual stenosis in 10 patients and a small saccular aneurysm in 1. Collateral circulation decreased in three patients. The subsequent surgical procedure and its outcome were similar in the study and control groups. Chylothorax was the only complication, occurring in one child from each group. No paraplegia or mortality occurred. Pathologic examination revealed irregular intimal surfaces with small flaps of intima in 5 of 10 resected specimens from the study group and in 2 of 6 from the control group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Hemodynamic abnormalities during coronary angiography: comparison of Hypaque-76, Hexabrix, and Omnipaque-350

The hemodynamic effects induced by coronary angiography in dogs with low osmolar ionic dimer Hexabrix (HB) and nonionic Omnipaque-350 (OM) were compared to the standard ionic contrast medium, Hypaque-76 (H76), both in the normal heart and in one with simulated severe cardiac disease. Left coronary angiography was performed in 12 "normal" closed-chest dogs with 10-cc injections of H76, HB, and OM in a randomized, blinded fashion. The maximal change in the left ventricular (LV) systolic pressure (SP), mean aortic pressure (MAP), left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP), and LV dp/dt were recorded. The LVSP and MAP fell 30 +/- 3 mm Hg and 26 +/- 4 mm Hg with H76, 22 +/- 2 mm Hg and 19 +/- 2 mm Hg with HB, and 7 +/- 1.5 mm Hg and 5 +/- 1 mm Hg with OM (P less than .001). The LVEDP increased 4.8 +/- 0.5 mm Hg with H76, 3 +/- 0.5 mm Hg with HB, but only 0.2 mm Hg with OM (P less than .001). The LV dp/dt decreased 392 +/- 63 mm Hg/sec with H76 and 235 +/- 21 mm Hg/sec with HB, but increased 411 +/- 50 mm Hg with OM (P less than .001). In eight additional open-chest dogs, left coronary angiography was performed 1 hr after occlusion of the proximal LAD coronary artery and in the presence of a critical circumflex coronary artery (CX) stenosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Repair of aortic coarctation in adults: the fate of hypertension

The benefit of coarctation repair on the resolution of systolic hypertension in adults has been questioned. In this retrospective study, hypertension was assessed in 38 adults (22 men, 16 women; mean age, 25.6 +/- 6.9 years; range, 16-39 years) who underwent coarctation repair between 1996 and 2006. Thirty patients had preoperative hypertension (mean systolic pressure, 158.3+/-18.6; range 140-200 mm Hg). At preoperative catheterization, the peak mean systolic gradient across the coarctation was 70.6 +/- 21.2 mm Hg (range, 38-120 mm Hg). Operative procedures were resection and end-to-end anastomosis (11 patients), patch aortoplasty (24) and resection with interposition of a Dacron tube graft (3). The patients were followed up for 2-90 months (mean, 37 +/- 23 months). Of the 30 patients with preoperative hypertension, 25 (83%) were normotensive at the last follow-up. The mean postoperative systolic blood pressure was significantly lower than the preoperative level. More than half of the patients (58%) were still taking antihypertensive medication. Surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta in adults can lead to regression of systolic hypertension and a decreased requirement for antihypertensive medication.     

Transesophageal echocardiographic follow-up of pulmonary veins in patients undergoing ostial radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Ostial radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of pulmonary veins (PVs) is a promising invasive approach for the non-pharmacologic treatment of atrial fibrillation, but PV stenosis has been reported as a possible complication of this intervention. The aim of this study was to assess PV anatomy and stenosis (i.e. number and progression) by means of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during the follow-up of patients undergoing RFCA. METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients with refractory and highly symptomatic atrial fibrillation underwent ostial radiofrequency isolation of arrhythmogenic triggers/foci, localized into the PVs, by an electroanatomic approach (CARTO system) or circular mapping with a multipolar catheter (LASSO) placed under radioscopic guidance. All patients were investigated using TEE and magnetic resonance angiography before radiofrequency application to evaluate PV anatomy. TEE examination was repeated after 2 months of follow-up and, in the presence of a stenosis, 1 year later. RESULTS: TEE allowed to identify 100% of the left and right superior PVs, 96% of right inferior PVs, and 74% of the left inferior PVs. Anatomic variants were detected at TEE in 33% of patients against 37% at magnetic resonance angiography (95% of concordance). After ostial RFCA, TEE disclosed a significant reduction in the mean diameters of the left superior PV (14.1 +/- 3.2 vs 12.0 +/- 2.7 mm, p < 0.01), left inferior PV (11.2 +/- 2.3 vs 9.8 +/- 2.2 mm, p = 0.05) and right superior PV (14.2 +/- 2.6 vs 12.9 +/- 2.7 mm, p < 0.05), and an increase in the mean peak velocities of the left superior PV (69.8 +/- 14.8 vs 91 +/- 42.4 cm/s, p < 0.05) and left inferior PV (59.2 +/- 18.1 vs 79.3 +/- 40.5 cm/s, p < 0.05). From a total of 88 PVs treated, 7 (7.9%) showed a higher significant stenosis in patients treated using the LASSO than the CARTO system (31.3 vs 2.8% respectively, p < 0.01). After 1-year follow-up there was no progression of PV stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: TEE was successful to evaluate PV anatomy and stenosis of patients undergoing ostial RFCA for atrial fibrillation. This complication is not rare and seems to be strictly related to the method of ablation, in particular when circular mapping and disconnection of triggers/foci was carried out by only a circular multipolar catheter without an electroanatomic approach.     

Balloon angioplasty for recurrent coarctation of aorta. Immediate and long-term results.

BACKGROUND. As angioplasty techniques have been refined and larger low-profile balloons developed, a nonsurgical approach to recoarctation has become available. Several reports have documented both the efficacy and safety of this procedure. However, there are little data available on the long-term follow-up of these patients. This report details the initial results and long-term evaluation of both the relief of obstruction and the presence of hypertension after balloon angioplasty for recurrent coarctation. METHODS AND RESULTS. Balloon angioplasty for recurrent coarctation of the aorta was performed 29 times in 26 patients at a median age of 4 years and 9 months (range, 4 months to 29 years), with eight patients less than 1 year old. Initial surgical techniques were end-to-end anastomosis in 11 patients, subclavian flap aortoplasty in 11 patients, and patch aortoplasty in four patients. Angioplasty was performed at a median interval of 2 years and 7 months (range, 4 months to 23 years) after surgery. Mean peak systolic pressure difference across the coarctation decreased from 40.0 +/- 16.8 to 10.3 +/- 9.5 mm Hg (p less than 0.05) after the initial angioplasty, and mean diameter of the aortic lumen at the coarctation site increased from 5.8 +/- 3.5 to 9.0 +/- 4.3 mm (p less than 0.05). There was no mortality, and only one patient developed an aneurysm (4%). Three patients underwent repeat angioplasty for a pressure difference of more than 20 mm Hg. Long-term follow-up is available on 24 of 26 patients with a mean follow-up of 42 +/- 24 months (range, 12-88 months). Mean peak systolic pressure difference across the area of coarctation decreased from 40.3 +/- 17.4 before angioplasty to 8.5 +/- 8.3 mm Hg after final angioplasty (p less than 0.05) and 7.5 +/- 7.5 mm Hg at follow-up. Mean peak systolic blood pressure in the upper extremities decreased from 133.1 +/- 14.9 before angioplasty to 111.1 +/- 14.1 mm Hg at long-term follow-up (p less than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS. Balloon angioplasty should be considered the treatment of choice for relief of recurrent aortic coarctation.