Balloon expandable stents for coarctation of the aorta: review of current status and technical considerations.

Balloon expandable stents have been used to manage coarctation of the aorta in selected patients with very encouraging results. After the successful use of the Palmaz stents in these lesions newer stents as well as modifications of the Palmaz stents have been introduced to achieve optimal results in these patients. In this review, the older as well as the newer type stents used in coarctation are discussed. Technical considerations to achieve successful stent implantation and choice is outlined.