Surgery for Coarctation of the Aorta
Coarctation of the Aorta is a congenital defect that can be repaired with surgery or other procedures.
Some facts about Coarctation of the Aorta:
- The aortic arch also might be smaller than usual (hypoplastic) in a baby with a coarctation.
- Coarctation of the Aorta shows up with other birth defects or conditions, such as a ventricular septal defect in which there is a hole in the wall between the heart's left and right ventricles
- This defect is also common in girls born with Turner syndrome which is a genetic disorder in which one of a girl's two X chromosomes is incomplete or missing.
- Abnormal blood pressure is usually the first sign of COA.
- A child with a coarctation may have higher blood pressures in the arms than in the legs.
- The pulse in the groin is also found weak or hard to feel.
- Cold legs and feet, shortness of breath, especially when exercising and chest pain are symptoms of COA.
- COA must be treated as soon as possible because it can cause high blood pressure and enlarge the heart.
- Dissection or rupture of the aorta can also occur, which can be fatal.
Preparation for Coarctation of the Aorta Surgery:
- A complete physical exam will be done along with a complete review of your medical history, to ensure you are in good health before surgery.
- Blood tests or other diagnostic tests may also be required before the surgery.
- An echocardiogram, a chest X-ray, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test, or a computerized tomography (CT) scan may also be done.
- You are recommended not eat or drink for 8 hours before the procedure.
- Inform your doctor if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, iodine, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
- You should also inform your doctor about all medicines (prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you are taking.
- Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicine, aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting as you may need to stop some of these medicines before surgery.
Procedure for Coarctation of the Aorta Surgery:
- Usually, the narrow section is removed and the two ends of the aorta is reconnected to fix a coarctation.
- A balloon dilation, also called balloon angioplasty may also be done in some cases.
- A tiny balloon is inserted into a blood vessel in the leg in this procedure and a very thin wire is threaded up to the aorta, across the narrow area
- The narrow area is widened when the balloon is inflated and the balloon is removed.
- A stent may also be implanted to keep the area open after the procedure.
- It is recommended to visits to the cardiologist every year or two after recovery as the narrowing can return after surgery or balloon dilation treatment.
- The blood pressure will be monitored and the doctor will look for signs that the COA could be returning in the visit.
