Coarctation of the aorta. Interruption of the aortic arch

Aortic coarctation is defined as a decrease in the caliber of the aorta which can occur at different levels, and which difficult the flow from the ascending aorta to the descending. The age of presentation in the most frequent forms varies from the neonatal period to adulthood. Although the most frequent presentation form represents an isolated stenosis, obstruction can be reached until the hypoplasia or even interruption of the aortic arch, associating with various more complex cardiac congenital pathologies. Advances in medical treatment in more severe forms, as well as the development of surgical and percutaneous techniques allow now to manage this condition with excellent results and low morbidity and mortality. In this article, we intend to conduct a review of the current definitions of this range of pathologies, as well as the therapeutic options which we have today. (C) 2013 Sociedad Espanola de Cirugia Torkica-Cardiovascular. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.