Predictors of Long-Term Outcomes of Percutaneous Mitral Valvuloplasty in Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis

PURPOSE: We determined factors associated with long-term outcomes of patients who underwent successful percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 1980 and May 2013, 1187 patients underwent PMV at Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea. A total of 742 patients who underwent regular clinic visits for more than 10 years were retrospectively analyzed. The endpoints consisted of repeated PMV, mitral valve (MV) surgery, and cardiovascular-related death. RESULTS: The optimal result, defined as a post-PMV mitral valve area (MVA) >1.5 cm² and mitral regurgitation ≤Grade II, was obtained in 631 (85%) patients. Over a mean follow up duration of 214±50 months, 54 (7.3%) patients underwent repeat PMV, 4 (0.5%) underwent trido-PMV, and 248 (33.4%) underwent MV surgery. A total of 33 patients (4.4%) had stroke, and 35 (4.7%) patients died from cardiovascular-related reasons. In a multivariate analysis, echocardiographic score [p=0.003, hazard ratio=1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–2.41] and post-MVA cut-off (p 8 and post-MVA ≤1.76 cm² were independent predictors of poor long-term clinical outcomes after PMV, including MV reintervention, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death.

Monitored Anesthetic Care of Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty for Severe Mitral Stenosis during Pregnancy: A case report / 대한마취과학회지

A woman presented severe mitral stenosis at 34 weeks' gestation. She did not respond to medical therapy, and underwent successful percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty with monitored anesthetic care. The remainder of her pregnancy was uncomplicated, and she delivered a healthy infant at 38 weeks' gestation. We proved monitored anesthetic care is available method in percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty for severe mitral stenosis during pregnancy.

Changes in the Sympathetic Activity after Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty in Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As mitral stenosis worsens, the cardiac output can be reduced, with a compensatory increase in the sympathetic nervous activity. An accelerated sympathetic nervous activity is responsible for various pathophysiological changes, including atrial thrombus formation, pulmonary congestion and myocardial ischemia. In this study, the sympathetic nervous activity was evaluated in patients with rheumatic mitral valvular stenosis, both before and after a percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMV). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A PMV was successfully performed in 19 patients with mitral stenosis. The hemodynamic data were obtained by Swan-Ganz catheterization, and the variability in the heart rate evaluated by time domain measure via 24-hour ECG monitoring. An exercise test was performed according to Chung's exercise protocol, with the plasma norepinephrine level obtained before, during and after exercise. RESULTS: After the PMV, the right ventricle systolic, mean pulmonary arterial, pulmonary capillary wedge and left atrial pressures were significantly decreased. However, there were no significant changes in the right atrial, right ventricle end-diastolic and left ventricle end-diastolic pressures. After the PMV, the plasma norepinephrine level, an indicator of the sympathetic activity, was significantly decreased. On the other hand, the variability in heart rate, indicator of parasympathetic activity, was significantly decreased. CONCLUSION: In patients with mitral valvular stenosis, the sympathetic activity is accelerated, while the parasympathetic activity is decreased. This situation can be immediately reversed after a successful PMV.

Assessment of Left Atrial Function Using Instantaneous Pressure-Volume Relations in Mitral Stenosis before and after Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty

BACKGROUND: The left atrium functions as a reservoir for blood stored during ventricular systole, a conduit for pulmonary venous flow during ventricular diastole, and as a pump augmenting left ventricular filling during atrial systole. Cardiac angiography and Doppler echocardiography have been used in the assessment of atrial function. These measurements are, however, quite sensitive to ventricular and atrial loading conditions. Instantaneous pressure-volume relations of the left atrium have been described by a time-varying elastance model in the isolated left atrium and intact circulation in animal models. The mitral stenosis can be characterized hemodynamically as increased afterload of the left atrium. Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty, which results in a dramatic increase in the mitral orifice area in patients with mitral stenosis, is a well-suited clinical model for physiological assessment of the left atrial function in response to acute change of the left atrial afterload. The purpose of this study was 1) to evaluate the feasibility of the left atrial pressure-volume loop using automatic boundary detection method, 2) to obtain the left atrial pressure-volume loop in patients with mitral stenosis and to compare with that of normal controls, and 3) to assess the changes of the left atrial wall tesion and stroke work after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty in patients with mitral stenosis using the left atrial pressure-volume relations. METHODS: Twelve patients had simultaneous measurements of left atrial pressure and left atrial volume using trasseptal catheterization and two-dimensional echocardiography with automatic boundary detection technology. The left atrial pressure-volume was constructed by a computer workstation interfaced with an ultrasound system. Left atrial volumetric parameters, areas of A and V loops, and peak wall tension were measured and compared before and after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty. RESULTS: 1) The left atrial pressure-volume loop could be obtained without complications in the control group as well as in patients with mitral stenosis. 2) The left atrial peak wall tension and A and V loop areas were significantly increased in mitral stenosis compared to the control group. 3) Left atrial maximal volume, minimal volume and volume before active atrial contraction were significantly increased in mitral stenosis compared to control group. 4) Left atrial ejection fraction and left atrial active emptying fraction were significantly reduced in mitral stenosis. Left atrial passive emptying fraction was slightly reduced in mitral stenosis compared to control group without statistical significance. 5) Left atrial peak wall tension and A loop area were significantly reduced after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty. 6) There were no significant changes in left atrial maximal volume, minimal volume, volume before active atrial contraction, total volume change, passive emptying volume, active emptying volume, passive emptying fraction, active emptying fraction, V loop area and left atrial ejection fraction after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty. CONCLUSION: The left atrial stroke work and peak wall tension can be assessed quantitatively using left atrial pressure-volume relations in patients with mitral stenosis and those are significantly reduced after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty. The analysis of left atrial pressure-volume loop is a potentially useful means in the assessment of left atrial function.

Valvoplastia mitral percutânea com a técnica do balão único. Resultados imediatos, complicaçoes e evolução intra-hospitalar / Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty with the single balloon technique. Short-term results, complications and in-hospital follow-up

PURPOSE: To study the short-term results, complication and in-hospital follow-up of 268 percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) procedures performed with the low-profile monofoil balloon (LPMB) technique from 1990 to 1995. METHODS: A single 30mm balloon diameter was used in 247 (92.9) procedures, a single 25mm balloon diameter in 9 (3.3), a single 25mm balloon followed by a single 30mm balloon diameter in 7 (2.6) and in 5 procedures a balloon was not used. The mean age group was 36 +/- 12 years. Two hundred nineteen (81.7) procedures were performed in women (mean age 36 +/- 12 years) and 49 (18.3) in men (mean age, 35 +/- 14 years) (p = 0.78). Patients were in functional class II (NYHA) in 39 (14.5), class III in 198 (73.9) and class IV in 31 (11.6). Patients were in sinus rhythm in 228 (85.1) procedures and in atrial fibrillation in 40 (14.9). The echocardiographic score ranged from 4 to 14 (mean 7.2 +/- 1.5). RESULTS: There were 256 complete procedures, 249 of which were successful (mitral valve area (MVA) > or = 1.5cm2 after PMBV). Echocardiographic calculated MVA before PMBV was 0.9 +/- 0.2cm2. Hemodynamic calculated MVA before PMBV was 0.9 +/- 0.2cm2 and after was 2.0 +/- 0.4cm2 (p < 0.000001). Mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 40 +/- 15mmHg to 28 +/- 10mmHg (p < 0.000001) and mitral mean gradient from 20 +/- 7mmHg to 5 +/- 4mmHg (p < 0.000001). In the 256 complete procedures mitral valve (MV) was competent in 214 and there was 1+ mitral regurgitation (MR) in 42. After PMBV, MV was competent in 166 and there was 1+ MR in 68, 2+ in 16, 3+ in 5 and 4+ MR in 1. There were complications in 14 (5.2) procedures, severe MR in 6 (3 or 4+), stroke in 2 and cardiac tamponade in 6. Two patients died during emergency cardiac surgery after left ventricular perforation and 1 after stroke. CONCLUSION: PMBV with the LPMB was an effective procedure with a high success rate and a low rate of complications as the more usual double-balloon and Inoue balloon techniques.

Valvoplastia mitral percutânea por balão. Resultados imediatos, complicaçoes e evolução hospitalar / Percutaneous balloon mitral valvoplasty. Immediate results, complications and hospital outcome

PURPOSE--To study the short-term results, complications and in-hospital follow-up of 223 percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) procedures (proc)in 219 patients. METHODS--It was used a single 20mm balloon diameter in 4 proc, double balloon in 7, Inoue balloon in 4 and low profile balloon in 196. The mean-age group was 37.19 years. One hundred eighty three (82.1) procedures were performed in women (mean age, 36.99 years) and 40 (17.9) in men (mean age, 38.10 years) (p = 0.63). Patients were in functional class II, (NYHA) in 25 (11.2) procedures, class III in 165 (74.0) and class IV in 33 (14.8). Patients were in sinus rhythm in 182 procedures (81.6) and in atrial fibrillation in 41 (18.4). The echocardiographic score range from 4 to 14 (7.4 +/- 1.7). Among 4 and 11 were 98.2 of patients. RESULTS--We had 203 complete proc and success, mitral valve area (MVA) > or = 1.5cm2 after PMBV in 194 proc. Echocardiographic MVA before PMBV was 0.9 +/- 0.2cm2 and after 1.8 +/- 0.3cm2 (p < 0.01). Hemodynamic measures MVA before PMBV was 0.9 +/- 0.2cm2 and after was 1.9 +/- 0.3cm2 (p < 0.01). Mean pulmonary artery pressure decreased from 39 +/- 14mmHg to 27 +/- 11mmHg (p < 0.01) and mitral mean gradient from 20 +/- 9mmHg to 6 +/- 5mmHg (p < 0.01). In the 203 proc, mitral valve (MV) was competent in 176 and there were 1+ mitral regurgitation (MR) in 27. After PMBV, MV was competent in 126, and there were 1+ MR in 60, 2+ in 10.3+ in 6 and 4+ MR in 1. There was complication in 15 proc, severe MR in 7 (3 or 4+), stroke in 3 and cardiac tamponade in 5. Two patients died during emergency cardiac surgery after left ventricular perforation and one by stroke. CONCLUSION--PMBV was an effective procedure with a high grade of success and low rate of complication.

Correçäo de estenose mitral através de valvoplastia por técnica de duplo cateter-baläo / Mitral stenosis correction by double catheter-ballon valvuloplasty technique

Objetivo - Avaliar a eficácia a longo prazo da valvoplastia mitral por cateter pela técnica do duplo baläo (VMC2B). Métodos - Sessenta e oito pacientes (76 por cento do sexo feminino), com média etária de 32 (15-69) anos, foram submetidos, consecutivamente, a VMC2B e realizaram avaliaçäo clínico-ecodopplercardiográfico no 12§ mês de acompanhamento (PO12M). Os critérios de seleçäo foram: sintomas de hipertensäo veno-capilar pulmonar, ausência de outra cardiopatia de indicaçäo cirúrgica, escore ecocardiográfico adequado, ausência de trombos intracavitários e insuficiência mitral (IM) no máximo discreta. Foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo A - composto por 7 (11 por cento) pacientes que apresentaram eventos cardíacos neste período e grupo B - composto por 61 pacientes que completaram o período de estudo sem eventos cardíacos. Näo havia diferença significativa entre os grupos em relaçäo aos dados demográficos, classe funcional (CF) e ao escore ecocardiográfico. Resultados - No grupo A, 3 pacientes apresentaram IM grave, em um caso houve insucesso e outro apresentou reestenose. Houve 2 óbitos näo relacionados ao procedimento. No grupo B, os resultados hemodinâmicos comparativos pré e imediatamente após (POI) VMC2B mostraram melhroa significativa, exceto em relaçäo ao índice cardíaco. Houve aumento do grau de IM em 17 (28 por cento) pacientes, tornando-se moderado em dois. A variaçäo da área valvar mitral (AVM) entre o PRÉ x POS x PO12M mostrou, comparando-se AVM no POI e PO12M, reduçäo significativa. Dois (3 por cento) pacientes com reduçäo >50 por cento do ganho inicial, 33 (54 por cento) entre 10 e 50 por cento e 26 (42 por cento) aquém de 10 por cento näo tiveram comprometimento da CF permanecendo em CF I/II. Conclusäo - A VMC2B é método atrativo para tratamento de estenose mitral em pacientes sintomáticos selecionados, com baixo índice de complicaçöes, melhora sintomática imediata que manteve-se a longo prazo apesar de reduçäo da AVM

Long-Term Echocardiographic follow-up of Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty in Patients with Restenosis after Previous Surgical Commissurotomy

BACKGROUND: Precutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty(PMV) is known to produce shortterm hemodynamic and symptomatic improvement in selected patients with restenosis after previous surgical commissurotomy. METHODS: To evaluated the long-term efficacy of PMV and identify the risk factors for restenosis after this procedure in patients with mitral restenosis after previous surgical commissurotomy, we obtained 30.4+/-13.0 months(range, 6-53) follow-up data in 19 patients with restenosis after previous surgical commissurotomy on whom PMV was successfully performed since April, 1988. RESULTS: There were 10 females and 9 males with mean age of 42.7+/-8.7(range, 28-59). 11 patients were in atrial fibrillation. Restenosis occurred in 8 patients(42%) during follow-up. Median value for restenosis by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was 40 months. Restenosis by univariate analysis correlated with smaller valve area after PMV and short interval from previous surgical commissurotomy to restenosis. Mitral valve area after PMV and echoscore were found to be the determinant predictors of restenosis by Cox proportional hazard analysis. For mitral valve area after PMV, patients with post-PMV valve area less than 1.6cm2have relatively high risk for restenosis than those with post-PMV valve area more than 1.6cm2. CONCLUSION: Half of the patients who underwent PMV due to restenosis after previous surgical commissurotomy maintained optimal result up to 40 months. Poorer long-term outcome can be predicted in patients with unfavorable valve morphology or post-PMV valve area less than 1.6cm2.

Comparaçäo entre uso de duplo balão unifoil e baläo bifoil no sucesso da valvoplastia mitral por cateter balão / Comparison between the use of unifoil double balloon and bifoil balloon in successful mitral valvuloplasty by balloon catheter

PURPOSE--To compare immediate and long term results balloon mitral valvuloplasty (BMV) using double balloon or bifoil balloon. METHODS--One hundred and thirteen consecutive cases of BMV used aleatory double balloon (group DB--55 cases) or bifoil balloon (group BF--16 cases). Patients were similar regarding to age, sex, valvopaty etiology, functional class and echocardiographic score. Seventy one (63 per cent ) patients achieved 12 months follow-up. RESULTS--In group DB there were 2 (4 per cent ) insuccess, 2 (4 per cent ) cardiac tamponade and 2 (4 per cent ) deaths, 91 per cent patients had immediate criteria of success. Mitral valve area (MVA) increased from 0.8 to 1.69cm2 and mitral gradient (G) by echodopplercardiographic (ECHO) decreased from 17.9 to 4.8mmHg. Three (5 per cent ) patients developed severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and needed surgical intervention. At follow-up 2 (4 per cent ) developed mitral restenosis. MVA estimated by ECHO study after one year follow-up was inferior to 1.15cm2 in 15 (32 per cent ) cases, between 1.5 and 2.0cm2 in 17 (37 per cent ) and superior to 2.0cm2 in 14 (31 per cent ). In group BF there were 2 (12.5 per cent ) insuccess, 4 (25 per cent ) developed severe MR occurring 1 death immediate post-operative mitral valve replacement. Among 14 (87 per cent ) success cases, MVA increased from 0.8 to 1.89cm2 and G decreased from 18 to 6.4mmHg. Lately 2 (12.5 per cent ) needed surgical intervention because significative MR. At 12th month follow-up the ECHO study showed that in one (10 per cent ) case MVA was < 1.5cm2, and in 3 (27 per cent ) cases was between 1.5 and 2.0cm2. CONCLUSION--There were similar good results in both groups, however group DB had more restenosis, cardiac tamponade and vascular complications and group BF had more severe MR

Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty in patients with restenosis after surgical commissurotomy: a comparative study

We performed percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMV) in 367 patients to compare the effectiveness of PMV between patients with mitral restenosis after surgical commissurotomy (group 1) and patients with unoperated mitral stenosis (group 2). Twenty-two had undergone closed or open mitral commissurotomy 11.2 years before. There were no significant differences in clinical profiles between the two groups. The mitral valve area was increased from 1.0 +/- 0.8 to 1.8 +/- 0.6 cm2 in group 1 and 0.9 +/- 0.3 to 2.0 +/- 0.7 cm2 in group 2 (p> 0.05). The mitral gradient was decreased from 14 +/- 5.9 to 6 +/- 2.6 mmHg in group 1 and 18 +/- 7.0 to 7 +/- 5.3 mmHg in group 2 (p> 0.05). The increment of mitral regurgitation and significant left to right shunt after PMV were not significantly different (10% versus 14.7%, 5% versus 10.4% respectively). Optimal results were attained in 75% of the patients in group 1 and in 84.3% of the patients in group 2 (p> 0.05). These results suggest PMV in mitral restenosis after surgical commissurotomy may be safe in selected patients and may be equally effective as in unoperated mitral stenosis.

Valvoplastia mitral por cateter baläo: resultados imediatos e seguimento de 1 ano / Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty.early results and one year follow-up

Objetivo - Avaliar os resultados da valvoplastia mitral por cateter baläo (VMCB) a curto e a médio prazos. Métodos - Cento e quatro procedimentos em 103 pacientes, 89 (87%) mulheres e média etária de 33 anos. O diagnóstico foi estenose mitral (EM) em 95 (91%), reestenose mitral em 7 (7%) e bioprótese estenótica em 2(2%). Doze pacientes (10%) estavam em classe funcional (CF) II (NYHA), 73 (70%) em CF III e 19 (18%) em CF IV. Noventa e três (89%) estavam em ritmo sinusal, 10 (10%) em fibrilaçäo atrial e 1 (1%) em ritmo funcional. Em 99% dos casos a técnica empregada foi transeptal. Resultados hemodinâmicos comparativos entre pré X pós VMCB imediato foram: área valvar mitral (cm2) 0,75 ñ 0,27 x 1,68 ñ 0m48 (p < 0,0001), gradiente AE-VE médio (mmHg) 19,52 ñ 8,03 x 5,44 ñ 4,38 p < 0,0001); pressäo média de AE (mmHg) 24,72 ñ 8,76 x 9,63 ñ 6,11 (p < 0,0001); índice cardíaco (L/min/m*) 2,55 ñ 0,69 x 2,92 ñ 0,77 (p < 0,0001); pressäo média de AP (mmHg) 40,17 ñ 16,52 x 25,65 ñ 13,77 (p < 0,0001). Ao ecocardiograma os resultados comparativos entre pré-VMCB, pós-VMCB, controle de 6 meses e 12 meses pós-VMCB foram respectivamente: área valvar mitral (cm*) 0,89 ñ 0,23 x 1,87 ñ 0,41 x 1,72 ñ 0,43 x 1,64 ñ 0,44 e gradiente transvalvar mitral (mmHg) 13,12 ñ 4,66 x 6,44 ñ 2,93 x 7,72 ñ 3,24 x 8,30 ñ 4,17. Houve um óbito imediato pós-VMCB em paciente portadora de tromboembolismo pulmonar, 4 (4%) pacientes com insuficiência mitral importante (1 óbito no pós-operatório imediato) e 2 pacientes com reestenose mitral. Conclusäo - A VMCB mostra-se método eficaz e seguro ocorrendo persistência de bons resultados no período de 1 ano de acompanhamento

Purpose - To evaluate percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) results immediately and one yearfollow-up. Methods - One hundred andfour procedures in 103 patients, 89 (87%) were women and mean age was 33. Ninety five (91%) had mitral stenosis, 7 (7%) mitral restenosis and 2 (2%) stenotic bioprosthesis. Twelve (10%) patients were in functional class (FC) II (NYHA), 73 (70%) in FC III and 19 (18%) in FC IV. Ninety three (89%) were in sinusal rhythm, 10 (10%) had atrialfibrilation and 1 (1%) junctional rhythm. In 99% cases the transeptal access was used. Results - The comparative haemodinamic results late x immediately after-PMBV were mitral valve area (cm2) 0.75 ± 0.27 x 1.68 ±0.48 (p < 0.0001), gradiente AE-VE average (mmHg) 19.52 ± 8.03 x 5.44 ± 4.38 (p < 0.0001); average pressure AE (mmHg) 24.72 ± 8.76 x 9.63 ± 6.11 (p < 0.0001), cardiac inde x (L/ min/m2) 2.55 ± 0.69 x 2.92 ± 0.77 (p < 0.0001); average pressure PA (mmHg) 40.17 ± 16.52 x 25.65 ± 13.77 (p < 0.0001). The echocardiography results pré-PMBV, post-PMBV, 6 and 12 months after PMBV were respectively: mitral valve area (cm2) 0.89 ± 0.23 x 1.87 ± 0.41 x 1.72 ± 0.43 x 1.64 ± 0.44 and mitral transvalvar gradient (mmHg) 13.12 ± 4.66 x 6.44 ± 2.93 x 7.72 ± 3.24 x 8.30 ± 4.17. There was one death immediately after-PMBV in a patient with pulmonar thromboembolism. Four (4%) had severe mitral regurgitation and went to surgery (1 death). There were 2 mitral reestenosis. Conclusion - For selected patients PMBVis a safe method and the good results are maintained in 1 year follow-up

Immediate and Late Results of Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty Using Inoue and Double Balloon Techniques(Prospective Randomized Trial): Comparison of Mechanism of Dilation and 1 Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND: Large series of patients with symptomatic mitral stenosis have undergone percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty(PMV) with use of the Inoue or double balloon technique. But to date the result of the two procedure have not been compared with a single series prospectively. METHODS: In order to assess the immediate hemodynamic results and the longterm efficacy of two different PMV technique, a prospective, randomized trial of PMV was performed using the Inoue balloon(Toray, I group) in 59 patients and the double balloons(a pair of Mansfield balloon. D group) in 61 patients with moderate to severe mitral stenosis. Before valvuloplasty, the patients series were comparable with regard to average age. gender, most clinical and echocardiographic variables. All the patients(120 patients, M/F 38/82, mean age 41+/-11 year) were preselected with good echoscore> or =9. RESULTS: The success rate was 83% in the I group and 89% in the D group when the success defined as mitral valve area(MVA)> or =1.5cm2 with 25% gain in MVA and mitral regurgitation> or =2+ at the end of procedure. The magnitude of increase of mitral valve area and decrease of mitral gradient, left atrial pressure and pulmonary arterial pressure were not significantly different in the Inoue and double balloon series(1.0+/-0.4 and 1.1+/-0.4cm2 for mitral vale area, 10.2+/-6.6 and 11.7+/-6.4mmHg for mitral gradient, 10.5+/-6,4 and 12.9 +/-7,3mmHg for left atrial pressure, and 8.7+/-7.3 and 10.1+/-9.4 mmHg for pulmonary artrial pressure respectively). Immediatly after dilation, the long diameter changes of the mitral orifice was more prominent in the D group(from 1.0+/-0.2 to 2.6+/-0.4cm p1.5) was 3.4% in group I and 4.9% in group D. Severe mitral regurgitation> or =3+ occurred in 2 patients in each I(3.4%) and D(3.3%) group respectively. At follow-up, the mitral valve area was significantly decreased(1.6 in group I vs 1.8cm2 in group D, P<0.001 vs immediate after MVA) at 6 months and well maintained at 1 year follow-up in both groups. Until 6 months after valvuloplasty, the long diameter of orifice was greater in group D, however the difference was not apparent at 1 year follow-up. CONCLUSION: The Inoue and double balloon techniques obtained equivalent results of the success rate and the frequently of complications. However, the Inoue balloon technique reduced significantly fluoroscope time and total procedure duration. Double balloon technique afforded a longer longitudinal splitting of the commissure immediatly and 6 months after valvuloplasty. However the differences was not apparent at 1 year follow-up. Increased MVA was well maintained at 1 year in both groups. The severity of the newly developed mitral regurgitation immediately after valvuloplasty reduced significantly in 53% of the Inoue and 43% in the double balloon group at 6 months follow-up. In the view point of similiar immediate and late results of the two methods, the stepwise dilation with Doppler echocardiographic monitoring during the Inoue procedure appeared to be cumbersome.

Follow-up of Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty(PMV): Analysis of Factors Predicting Restenosis at 1 Year Follow-up

To determine the long-term results after PMV, the incidence of restenosis and analysis the factors predicting restenosis, 108 patients were studied at pre-, post-PMV, after 3 months and 1 year (13+/-4 months) with echocardiography. 1) Restenosis was demonstrated in 25 of 108 patients(23%) at 1 year follow-up. 2) Descriminant analysis showed echocardiographic score and mitral valve area before PMV as predictors of restenosis. 3) There were significant decreament of mitral valve area from 1.8+/-0.4cm2 (after PMV) to 1.5+/-0.3 cm2 at 3 months follow-up and further stenosis (1.2+/-0.3 cm2) at long-term follow-up in group with restenosis. In contrast, in group without restenosis, mitral valve area after PMV was 1.8+/-0.3cm2, aat 3 months follow-up was 1.8+/-0.3cm2 and at long term follow-up was 1.8+/-0.4cm2. 4) There was higher restenosis rate in group with Inoue balloon (47%) than group with double balloon (18%) despite of large EBDA/BSA.

A Case of Deflation Failure of Inoue Balloon

We have experienced a case of deflation failure of Inoue balloon in the left atrium during mitral balloon valvuloplasty in a 44 year old male patient with tight mitral stenosis, who died just after emergency open heart surgery for removal of undeflated Inoue balloon and mitral valve replacement because of associated acute hemorrhagic myocardial infarction.

Echocardiographic Follow-up Assessment of Mitral Valve Structure and Function in Patients Followed for 3 Months after Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty

Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic examination were obtained in 31 patients both immediately and 2 to 5 months(mean3.1+/-1.8) after balloon dilation. Mitral valve area by planimetry immediately after valvuloplasty measured 1.8+/-0.3cm2 and 1.7+/-0.3cm2 at 2-5 months follow-up, but the difference was satistically insignificant. More than 15% decrease of the mitral valve area at follow-up was noticed in 10 patients(32%), but the valve area at follow-up was >1.5cm2 in all patients. Left atrial size(antero-posterior diameter) and volume by 2-dimensional echocardiography decreased more remarkably from 4.4+/-0.7cm, 82+/-42cm3 immediatly after vavuloplasty to 4.2+/-0.7cm, 68+/-26cm2 at follow-up respectively but there was no statistical significance. Mitral regurgitation graded by pulsed Doppler ultrasound decreased from 1.6+/-0.7 immediatly after valvuloplasty to 1.3+/-0.5(p<0.09) at follow-up, but there was no significant change in peak E velocity, EF slope, fractional shortening and ejection fraction. Symptomatic improvement at follow-up occured in all but one patient. Thus, 2 to 5 months after balloon mitral valvuloplasty there was no significantly after valvuloplasty decreased slightly at follow-up.