Axillary artery access for stenting of aortic coarctation in a 1.2 kg premature newborn with malignant systemic hypertension: a case report

Abstract

Background Axillary artery access is rarely used for demanding percutaneous transcatheter interventions. However, there are many clear advantages. Case summary We describe this attractive approach in a 3-week-old premature neonate (bodyweight of 1.2 kg) with severe aortic coarctation. Percutaneous transcatheter intervention was performed with analgo-sedation and local anaesthesia; and a coronary stent was placed with a low fluoroscopy time of 2 min. Malignant systemic hypertension (160/ 54 mmHg) was effectively treated without any residual blood pressure gradient, with the aim for definitive surgery with stent resection and end-to-end anastomosis at the age of 6–12 months. Discussion Axillary artery access is an attractive, alternative approach to treat newborns and premature infants with low body weight with complex heart diseases.