Balloon angioplasty with stenting to correct a functionally interrupted aorta: A case report with three-year follow-up.

A 16-year-old male presenting with upper extremity hypertension was found to have a severe form of discrete coarctation with complete luminal obliteration, causing a functional interruption of the thoracic aorta. Fluoroscopically guided perforation of the obstruction and creation of a neo-aortic lumen was performed. This was followed by balloon angioplasty and stent placement, successfully relieving the coarctation. The procedural method, acute and late follow-up results, and a discussion of the potential risks and benefits are presented. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.