Balloon angioplasty and stent implantation within 30 days postcongenital heart surgery (CHS) in children

Abstract

Objectives This study aims to assess balloon angioplasty (BAP) and stent implantation (SI) procedures early after congenital heart surgery (CHS) in children. Background These interventions are considered potential high‐risk procedures and often avoided or postponed. Methods This is a retrospective, single centre study of all BAP and SI procedures within 30 days after CHS (01/2001 until 01/2021). Results A total of 127 (96 SI, 31 BAP) procedures were performed in 104 patients at median 6.5 days (interquartile range: 1–15) after CHS. Balloon‐to‐stenosis ratio and balloon‐to‐reference vessel ratio were significantly smaller compared to stent‐to‐stenosis ratio and stent‐to‐reference vessel ratio (p < .001 and p = .005). There was a greater rise in absolute vessel diameter, greater rise in vessel diameter in relation to the stenosis and vessel diameter in relation to the reference vessel with SI (p < .001, p = .01, and p < .001). Up to 94% SIs fulfilled both success criteria (increase of vessel diameter ≥50% of minimal vessel diameter or achievement ≥75% of the reference vessel diameter). Major adverse events were more frequent in the BAP group (p = .05). Intraprocedural complications were 5/31 (16%) in the BAP group and 13/96 (13%) in the SI group (p = .77). Conclusion BAP and SI procedures within 30 days post‐CHS can be performed safely, with a greater stent‐to‐stenosis ratio and a greater rise in vessel diameter with stent implantation.