Surgical Repair of Coarctation of the Aorta

Overview

This is a procedure to correct a narrowed aorta. That's the main vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body. In many cases, this surgery is done soon after a baby's birth.

Preparation

To begin, the patient is given medicine to put him or her to sleep. The surgeon makes an incision along the sternum or on the side of the chest. The heart may be stopped for the procedure. If so, a heart-lung machine will supply blood and oxygen to the body.

Procedure

If the narrowed area is short, the surgeon can remove that section of the aorta and reattach the remaining ends. If the narrowing affects a longer section, a different technique may be needed. The surgeon may use a graft to route blood around the narrowing. That's called a "bypass" procedure.

End of Procedure

When the procedure is done, the incision is closed. The patient will stay in the hospital for close monitoring. Your healthcare provider will give you tips to help with recovery.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.