LPA/PDA/Coarctation of Aorta: Balloon Dilation and Stenting

Patent Ductus Arteriosus or PDA is a medical condition in which ductus arteriosus or ductus botalli, a blood vessel connecting pulmonary artery to the proximal descending aorta in the developing foetus fails to close after birth.

Coarctation of Aorta is narrowing of the aorta and these both conditions are present at the birth.

The treatment usually involves balloon angioplasty often coupled with stenting for treating the narrowing down of aorta. The doctor during the procedure would insert a thin, catheter through the groin of the child and the balloon at the tip opens the narrowed aorta. Once inflated, the aorta gets widened, facilitating the normal blood flow.

In some cases, the doctors may use a metal mesh or a stent into aorta to prevent it from blocking again. The same procedure is followed in the case of Patent Ductus Arteriosus too but the opening will be closed with the help of catheter.
