Coarctation of the aorta

3D Model

Coarctation of the aorta, also called aortic narrowing, is a congenital condition whereby the aorta is narrow. When a patient has a coarctation, the left ventricle has to work harder. Because the aorta is narrower, the left ventricle must generate a much higher pressure than normal in order to force enough blood through the aorta to deliver blood to the lower part of the body. If the narrowing is severe, the left ventricle might not be powerful enough to push blood through the coarctation, which results in a lack of blood to the lower half of the body. To see a model of a corrected coarctation of the aorta (with stent!) follow this link: https://skfb.ly/6KMsZ