Which procedure is commonly used to repair a coarctation of the aorta?

The procedure commonly used to repair a coarctation of the aorta is open-heart surgery. This approach directly addresses the condition by allowing surgeons to access the aorta and remove the narrowed section. The two main methods during open-heart surgery include end-to-end anastomosis, where the two ends of the aorta are sewn together after the constricted segment is removed, or subclavian flap aortoplasty, where a flap from the subclavian artery is used to widen the narrowed area. Open-heart surgery is typically favored for significant coarctations, particularly in infants and young children, as it effectively resolves the obstruction and reduces the risk of long-term complications associated with the condition.

While balloon angioplasty and cardiac catheterization can also be used to treat coarctation, particularly in older children or adults, open-heart surgery remains a standard and definitive treatment for this condition, especially in younger patients. Close monitoring without intervention may be appropriate in cases where the coarctation is mild and not causing significant symptoms, but it does not address the issue directly as a surgical repair would.