We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Privacy Statement.
CORONAVIRUS ALERT: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is closely monitoring updates related to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Click here for the latest information.
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has several outpatient and urgent care centers throughout South Florida, including on-demand, virtual care.
Walk-in urgent care with no appointment needed.
Serving as your child's primary doctor's office.
Pediatric specialty consultations available closer to home.
A full range of comprehensive services all under one roof.
Connect with providers from the comfort of your own home.
With over 800 pediatric physicians on staff, we’re dedicated to helping you connect with the right specialist for your needs.
We have expertise in treating children and educating families on hundreds of different conditions.
We use cutting-edge, specialized treatments and procedures to ensure the best care for your child.
Also known as: COA
Coarctation of the aorta is a heart condition that is present at birth involving the narrowing of the aorta. This defect may occur on its own or in association with more complex heart defects and patients with chromosomal abnormalities.
COA may be caused by an improper development of the aorta during fetal growth; however most of the time this heart defect occurs by chance, with no clear reason for their development.
COA may be discovered during your child’s physical exam, while a pediatrician is obtaining the child’s vital signs. The first suspicion of a coarctation is when the doctor notes a lower blood pressure in the legs. Other test that assist with diagnosing include:
If your baby is diagnosed with COA, the treatment is surgical repair of the narrowed vessel. The cardiovascular surgeon will cut out the narrowed section and sew the two healthy ends of the aorta back together. This reconstructs the arch and institutes normal blood flow through the aorta.
This page was last updated on: December 18, 2020 04:59 PM
When the heartbeat is interrupted by unusual sounds such as blowing, whooshing or rasping, it’s called a heart murmur. Learn more
Ross-Konno procedure is a surgery to repair a damaged aortic valve. The aortic valve is responsible for pumping blood from the heart out to the body. The left ventricular outflow tract is also enlarged as part of the Ross-Konno procedure. Learn more
When feasible, a balloon angioplasty with or without stent angioplasty is a medical procedure that can help restore the flow of blood to the lower extremities. Learn more