Use of coated stents in two patients with congenital heart defects and secondary vascular aneurysms

The formation of an aneurysm in the aorta or pulmonary artery is a dangerous potential complication of surgical and angioplasty procedures involving these vessels. Treatment using covered stents has emerged as an effective alternative to surgery and the use of conventional stents. The authors report on 2 patients who were treated successfully by the implantation of covered stents in the aorta and pulmonary artery following angioplasty and surgery, respectively. We discuss the mecanisms of aneurysm formation and the efficacy and limitations of using covered stents in such patients.