Aortopexy reduces anastomosis stress after repair of coarctation.

Restenosis after repair of coarctation with hypoplastic distal aortic arch is an important complication. Complete removal of ductal tissue, resection of isthmus area, and side-to-side arterioplasty of the distal aortic arch leads to a wide distance between the aortic arch and descending aorta; therefore, the anastomosis may remain under tension, increasing risk of restenosis. To reduce the tension, aortopexy of the descending aorta was used. The operative technique and the results in 16 neonates and infants are presented.