Coarctation of the Aorta

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This is narrowing of the aorta, which increases the pressure under which the left heart must pump blood.  Symptoms may include rapid breathing, poor feeding, high blood pressure, decreased pulses in the lower extremities and congestive heart failure. Blood pressure is higher in upper extremities than lower extremities. Cardiovascular collapse or shock may occur in neonates once the patent ductus arteriosus or PDA (the blood vessel between the aorta and pulmonary artery) closes. Older children may be asymptomatic.

Surgical correction:  Excision of coarctation and narrowed portion of aorta with sewing of the two ends of the aorta together.  Typically this is done through an incision on the left side of the chest.  For some with very small aortas, the coarctation must be performed through the sternum or breastbone and with the use of the heart lung machine.  The approach from the sternum and use of the heart lung machine (open heart surgery) is also used when a child has a coarctation with another heart defect, such as a VSD (ventricular septal defect).