ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of covered Cheatham-platinum (CP) stent for treatment of coarctation of aorta (CoA). MethodsBetween January 2007 and September 2013, 15 patients (16 lesions) with CoA underwent covered CP stent implantation, and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. Of 15 cases, 8 were male and 7 were female, aged 13-56 years (mean, 27.7 years). Fifteen lesions located beyond the origin of the left subdavian artery, and 1 lesion located between the origin of the left common carotid artery and the origin of the left subdavian artery. Proper covered CP stent and balloon-in-balloon (BIB) catheter were selected according to the data of computed tomography angiography or digital subtraction angiography examination. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the covered CP stent was placed at lesion accurately by expanding the inner balloon and the outer balloon sequentially. The variation of the systolic pressure gradient across the lesion and the stenosis extent of the aorta before and after the procedure were recorded. ResultsFifteen patients were all treated by covered CP stent implantation successfully. The systolic pressure gradient across the lesion decreased from (58.1±19.5) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) at preoperation to (6.2±5.6) mm Hg at immediate after CP stent implantation, and the stenosis extent of the aorta decreased from 73.8%±12.8% at preoperation to 16.7%±5.6% at immediate after CP stent implantation, all showing significant difference (t=12.483, P=0.000; t=15.631, P=0.000). All puncture points healed well with no aortic dissection, pseudoaneurysm, or obvious subcutaneous hematoma. All the patients could walk moderately within 48 hours after procedure. The average hospitalization time was 11.1 days (range, 6-18 days). During a mean follow-up of 29.7 months (range, 1-81 months), the symptom of dizziness and exercise tolerance were improved obviously, and the systolic pressures gradient between upper and lower extremity was below 20 mm Hg. The systolic and diastolic pressures at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative values (t=7.725, P=0.000; t=3.651, P=0.000). According to radiography, the location and shape of the stent were good, and no aortic dissection, aneurysm, or recoarctation occurred. ConclusionAccording to the initial and midterm results, the covered CP stent is an effective treatment for CoA in adolescents and adults with a low rate of complication. However, long-term results still require further follow-up.
ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and effectiveness of vascular reconstruction in patients with symptomatic tortuosity common carotid artery (SCAT). MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 12 cases of SCAT treated with vascular reconstruction between June 2010 and October 2013. There were 11 females and 1 male with the mean age of 54.8 years (range, 48-62 years). The unilateral common carotid artery was involved in all cases. Imaging examination showed C-shaped tortuosity of 4-8 cm in length (mean, 5.4 cm). The CT, brain CT, ultrasound examinations, or angiography was performed at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and annually. ResultsThe surgery success rate was 100% with no perioperative death and serious complications. The mean operation time was 1.98 hours; the mean blood loss was 50 mL; and the mean clamping time was 14.9 minutes. The systolic pressure gradient across the lesion was significantly decreased from (39.58±9.54) mm Hg (1 mm Hg=0.133 kPa) at pre-operation to (5.50±2.39) mm Hg at immediate after operation (t=15.492, P=0.000). No recurrence or stenosis was found at 9 months to 3 years of follow-up. The systolic and diastolic pressures at last follow-up were significantly improved to (132.17±6.24) mm Hg and (82.67±6.51) mm Hg from (152.83±14.80) mm Hg and (94.17±11.30) mm Hg at pre-operation (t=5.751, P=0.000; t=4.976, P=0.000). ConclusionVascular reconstruction in SCAT is recommended for good short- and mid-term effectiveness and relatively low complication and mortality after operation. Moreover, the long-term results still need to be investigated.