Initial results and clinical follow-up after balloon angioplasty for native coarctation

This study describes the initial hemodynamic results and early to late clin ical follow-up, including magnetic resonance imaging and exercise testing, following balloon angioplasty for native coarctation of the aorta. We advoc ate this approach as an alternative to surgical intervention in select pati ents based on age, aortic arch anatomy, or in those patients who have coexi sting cardiac defects that are amenable to transcatheter intervention.