ABSTRACT
Percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is the preferred therapy for pulmonary valve stenosis. However, the designs of the cylindrical balloons historically used for valvuloplasty have limitations, especially in patients who have large pulmonary annular diameters. The hourglass-shaped V8 Aortic Valvuloplasty Balloon may prove to be an effective alternative. The balloon has 2 large bulbous segments that are separated by a narrowed waist. The geometric shape is maintained throughout inflation, improving fixation and enabling broader leaflet opening. We present our first experience with the V8 balloon in 3 adults who had severe, symptomatic pulmonary valve stenosis. In addition to describing their cases, we detail our sizing technique for pulmonary valvuloplasty with the V8 balloon. Our successful results suggest that the V8 balloon is efficient and safe for balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in adults with severe pulmonary valve stenosis.
Subject(s)
Balloon Valvuloplasty/instrumentation , Cardiac Catheterization/methods , Pulmonary Valve Stenosis/surgery , Computed Tomography Angiography , Echocardiography , Equipment Design , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pulmonary Valve Stenosis/diagnosis , Young AdultABSTRACT
Atrioventricular septal defects constitute 4% of all congenital cardiac malformations. Patients with complete atrioventricular septal defect rarely survive for decades without surgical treatment. Pulmonary stenosis can provide a delicate balance between the pulmonary and systemic circulations and thereby increase longevity. We present the case of a 49-year-old woman whose complete atrioventricular septal defect and associated pulmonary stenosis were diagnosed only after she had given birth to 10 live children through uneventful spontaneous delivery. We discuss her successful surgical treatment in terms of the available medical literature.
