What is surgery for coarctation of the aorta?
Patch aortoplasty. Your doctor might treat your coarctation by cutting across the narrowed area of the aorta and then attaching a patch of synthetic material to widen the blood vessel. Patch aortoplasty is useful if the coarctation involves a long segment of the aorta.
What incision is frequently used for pediatric aortic coarctation repair?
Surgery for coarctation of the aorta is typically done through a thoracotomy. A thoracotomy is an incision on the upper left side of the back.
How long is the surgery for coarctation of the aorta?
The operation usually takes 2-3 hours. The portion of the operation in which the segment is cut out and the two ends are brought together is typically 15-20 minutes. A small amount of blood thinner called heparin is given to prevent clot formation downstream from where the aorta is clamped.
Does coarctation of the aorta always require surgery?
Coarctation of the aorta can be repaired with surgery or other procedures. One of the most common ways to fix a coarctation is to remove the narrow section and reconnect the two ends of the aorta. In some cases, doctors may do a balloon dilation (also called balloon angioplasty).
What happens if the aorta is clamped for too long?
The clamping of the aorta excludes the systemic circulation, by definition, thus causing an ischemia. When a long cross-clamping period (longer than 25 min) or a drop in distal aortic pressure below 50–60 mmHg is anticipated, the use of an intraoperative shunt may prevent complications such as paraplegia.
What causes coarctation of the aorta in babies?
What Causes COA? Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital defect, meaning that a baby is born with it. Doctors aren’t sure why some people develop COA, but boys are almost twice as likely to have it than girls. In a baby with a coarctation, the aortic arch also might be smaller than usual (hypoplastic).
How do you assess for coarctation of the aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta is usually diagnosed by echocardiogram (ultrasound pictures of the heart). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging), cardiac CT (computerized tomography scan), and cardiac catheterization angiography also show aortic narrowing.
How serious is coarctation of the aorta?
Coarctation of the aorta is often considered a critical congenital heart defect (critical CHD) because if the narrowing is severe enough and it is not diagnosed, the baby may have serious problems soon after birth. CCHDs also can be detected with newborn pulse oximetry screening.