Pseudo‐aneurysm formation following balloon angioplasty for recurrent coarctation of the aorta

Intraluminal balloon dilatation of re-stenosis encountered after operative repair of coarctation of the aorta has been recently advocated. A case is presented that demonstrates a potential serious complication of this procedure: rupture of the aortic wall with pseudoaneurysm formation. The operative repair and mechanism of injury are discussed. Balloon dilatation of recurrent coarctation of the aorta can cause a significant morbidity and potential mortality.