Your Child's Coarctation of the Aorta (COA) Surgery

Surgery for COA is done by a pediatric heart surgeon. The surgery lasts about 4 to 6 hours. You may stay in the waiting room during surgery.

• Before surgery. You’ll be told not to let your child eat or drink for a certain amount of time before surgery. Follow these instructions closely.

• During surgery. Your child is given medicine (sedative or anesthesia) to help them sleep and not feel pain during surgery. A breathing tube is placed in your child’s trachea (windpipe) during this time. Special equipment monitors your child’s heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. In most cases, an incision is made a few inches below the armpit, between the ribs. Sometimes, an incision in the middle of the chest is needed to reach the aorta. The narrowed area of the aorta is removed. The remaining ends of the aorta are sewn together. Sometimes, part of the artery that goes to the left arm or a graft of manmade materials may be used to repair the aorta. The chest is then closed.

• After surgery. Your child is taken to a critical care unit. Several catheters, tubes, and wires may be attached to your child. This will help the healthcare team care for them. You can stay with your child during much of this time. They may stay in the hospital for 2 to 5 days. When your child is ready to go home, you’ll be told how to care for your child at home.