OBJECTIVETo evaluate the early and midterm results of covered Cheatham-Platinum (CP) stent for treatment of aortic coarctation (CoA) in adolescents and adults.

METHODSFrom January 2007 to June 2011, 9 consecutive cases of CoA underwent covered CP stent implantation. There were 4 male and 5 female patients, aging from 13 to 44 years with a mean of (24 ± 11) years. The covered CP stent and balloon-in-balloon catheter were selected according to digital subtraction angiography measurements. The covered CP stents were expanded to appropriate diameter by inflation of the inner balloon and outer balloon successively. The systolic pressure gradient across the stenosis and narrowest degree of the stenotic vessels were compared before and after the procedure.

RESULTSAfter the procedure, the systolic pressure gradient across the stenosis decreased from (66 ± 21) mmHg to (9 ± 4) mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa, t = 9.13, P = 0.000) and the narrowest degree of CoA decreased from 79% ± 12% to 17 ± 4% (t = 16.65, P = 0.000). During a mean follow-up of (33 ± 22) months (ranging 4 to 54 months), no intrastent restenosis were found and systolic pressure gradient from upper to low extremity was not more than 15 mmHg in each case.

CONCLUSIONSCovered CP stent implantation is safe and effective for treatment of CoA in adolescents and adults. The early and midterm results are encouraging, but long term results require further follow-up and observation.