Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation of the aorta can be recognized in most instances by simple findings of physical examination. The anomaly is one which carries a variable prognosis. The condition may be tolerated through a long life with little incapacitation or may be accompanied by early and serious complications in the form of cardiac failure, aortic rupture, or intracranial hemorrhage. In a high percentage of patients it is possible to remove the aortic block and establish a pathway of satisfactory size. A series of cases shows that there is an excellent chance of relieving hypertension by such surgery. Mortality rates for these operations have not been unduly high. Certain complicated types of cases carry too high a risk and should not be accepted for surgery.