Stent implantation in an adult with coarctation of the aorta in the presence of advanced secondary heart failure

We report the case of a 56-year-old woman with congenital coarctation of th e aorta, who presented in critical clinical condition with advanced seconda ry cardiomyopathy and heart failure. We successfully applied an unusual tec hnique to pass the aortic obstruction, and then implanted a PALMAZ stent. T he procedure resulted in prompt clinical improvement and completely resolve d the coarctation. The patient's improved clinical condition was still evid ent 11 months after the procedure.