Objective: Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital anomaly observed in 8% to 10% of all cases of congenital heart disease. In patients with postoperative aortic recoarctation, reoperation is associated with high morbidity and mortality risk, and percutaneous balloon angioplasty is widely accepted as a first-line option in these patients regardless of the primary surgery or recoarctation anatomy. Our aim in this study was to share our experience with balloon angioplasty in patients who developed recoarctation after surgery for aortic coarctation.

Methods: A total of 39 patients aged 0-18 years who underwent percutaneous balloon angioplasty in the Pediatric Cardiology Department of Ege University between January 2010 and January 2020 were included in the study. All of the patients developed aortic recoarctation after surgical repair of aortic coarctation and were referred from various centers.

Results: On echocardiography performed before balloon angioplasty, the mean pressure gradient between the ascending and descending aorta was 50±11 mmHg. Transcatheter peak systolic pressure gradient between the ascending and descending aorta was 35 ± 13 mmHg before the procedure and decreased to 8 ± 11 mmHg after the procedure. The mean balloon diameter used for balloon angioplasty was 10 ± 4 mm. Adequate gradient reduction was achieved in all patients during balloon angioplasty. No major complications were observed. In our study, after balloon angioplasty, the prevalence of recoarctation was 7%.

Conclusion: In conclusion, balloon angioplasty can be used safely in the treatment of postoperative recoarctations.

Keywords: Recoarctation, balloon angioplasty, aortic, surgery