Balloon expandable covered stents as primary therapy for hemodynamically stable traumatic aortic injuries in children

OBJECTIVES: To expand on the limited available literature regarding the use of balloon expandable covered stents for the treatment of traumatic aortic injuries (TAI) in the pediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Although endovascular grafts have largely replaced surgery for TAI repair, there are significant limitations to the use of these grafts in pediatric patients.

METHODS: Multicenter, retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with TAI following blunt chest wall trauma. Procedural characteristics, follow-up, and reinterventions are described.

RESULTS: Six covered stents implanted in five patients. Median patient age was 12 years (11-13 years) and median weight 50 kg (44-54 kg). Procedural success was achieved in all cases. No procedural or postprocedural complications were noted. Median follow-up time was 24 months (11-36 months).

CONCLUSIONS: Balloon expandable covered stent treatment of pediatric patients with TAI is a feasible alternative to open surgical repair, and preferred over endovascular grafts due to graft size limitations and the large delivery systems.