Unsuccessful deflation of a bifoil balloon during percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty

A middle-aged woman was subjected to balloon mitral valvuloplasty using a bifoil balloon catheter. After inflation the balloon failed to deflate inspite of negative suction, probably due to a kink. The balloon was perforated with a transseptal puncture needle in order to deflate it and save open heart surgery. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Simplified percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty with the Inoue balloon

Background Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty with the Inoue balloon isconventionally performed with double vascular access: arterialand venous. However, in patients with a good echogenic windowit may be performed with venous access only and the proceduremonitored by 2D-echocardiography and colour flow mapping. Thisshould result in early ambulation and hospital discharge withreduced arterial complications. Aims To compare retrospectively the immediate results of percutaneousmitral valvuloplasty with the Inoue balloon in two groups ofpatients: Group I: venous access only (no arterial access, n=102)and Group II: conventional double vascular access (arterialand venous access, n=275). Methods and Results The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparablefor age, sex, clinical, echo-cardiographic, radiological andhaemodynamic variables. The mitral valve area (Group I: 1·1±0·3to 1·85±0·5cm²vs Group II: 1·05±0·2to 1·85±0·5cm², P=ns) and transmitral gradient(Group I: 11±4 to 4·7±2mmHg vs Group II:12±4 to 4·8±2mmHg, P=ns) before and aftermitral valvuloplasty were not statistically different. A goodimmediate result, defined as mitral valve area >1·5cm²andmean mitral gradient <5mmHg with mitral regurgitation 2+at the end of the procedure, was observed in 77% of the casesin the venous-only group and 79% in the double access group(P=ns). The incidence of severe mitral regurgitation (GradeIII or IV) was not statistically significant. Procedural duration(71±24min vs 109±26min, P<0·01), fluoroscopictime (12·5±5·5min vs 18·5±6min,P<0·01) and hospital stay (2·8±15 daysvs 4·8±2·6 days, P<0·001) weresignificantly shorter in the venous-only group than in the conventionalInoue series. Conclusion Single venous access balloon mitral valvu-loplasty is as equallysafe and effective as double vascular access. The additionaladvantages of single venous access are shorter procedural duration,fluoroscopic time and hospital stay. We recommend that it beperformed by an experienced operator (minimum of 100 trans-septalpunctures) in patients without major thoracic deformity anda good echogenic window.     

Inoue balloon deformity and rupture during percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty

In the management of mitral stenosis, similar long-term results can be obtained by using either an Inoue balloon catheter or a double-balloon technique for percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty. There have been few reports concerning any deformity of an Inoue balloon. From January 1988 to June 1995, 263 procedures of either mitral or tricuspid valvuloplasty have been performed in this center. The Inoue balloon catheter technique was used for 245 procedures. A deformity of the Inoue balloon catheter was noted in 4 (1.6%) and actual rupture of deformed balloon occurred in one (0.4%). All deformities were found at the distal portion of the Inoue balloon. Valvular insufficiency became more severe after valvuloplasty in two cases. Following rupture of the balloon, neither arterial embolization nor perforation of the cardiac chambers developed. In conclusion, a deformity of the Inoue balloon, although rare, can develop during percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty. The deformity may portend balloon rupture if additional maximal dilatations are undertaken. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Learning curve of the Inoue technique of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty

There is controversy as to whether the double-balloon or the Inoue technique of percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) provides superior immediate and long-term results. This study was undertaken to analyze the effect of the learning curve of the Inoue technique of PMBV in the immediate and long-term outcome of PMBV. The learning curve of Inoue PMBV was analyzed in 233 Inoue PMBVs divided into 2 groups: "early experience" (n = 100) and "late experience" (n = 133). The results of the overall Inoue technique were compared with those of 659 PMBVs performed with the double-balloon technique. Baseline clinical and morphologic characteristics between early and late experience Inoue groups were similar. Post-PMBV mitral valve area (1.89 +/- 0.56 vs 1.69 +/- 0.57 cm(2); p = 0.008) and success rate (60% vs 75.9%; p = 0.009) were significantly higher in the late experience Inoue group. Furthermore, there was a trend for less incidence of severe post-PMBV mitral regurgitation > or = 3+ in the late experience group (6.8% vs 12%; p = 0.16). Although the post-PMBV mitral valve area was larger with the double-balloon technique (1.94 +/- 0.72 vs 1.81 +/- 0.58 cm(2); p = 0.01), the success rate (71.3% vs 69.1%; p = NS), incidence of > or = 3+ mitral regurgitation (9% vs 9%), in-hospital complications, and long-term and event-free survival were similar with both techniques. In conclusion, there is a significant learning curve of the Inoue technique of PMBV. Both the Inoue and the double-balloon techniques are equally effective techniques of PMBV because they resulted in similar immediate success, in-hospital adverse events, and long-term and event-free survival.     

Long-term results of percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty with the Inoue balloon catheter.

The initial 85 patients who successfully underwent percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV) with the Inoue balloon catheter at the Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute between November 1985 and November 1988 had a mean follow-up period of 5 +/- 1 year (range 43 to 79 months). Before and after PMV and at follow-up, mean diastolic mitral gradients by the catheter method were 17.5 +/- 6.2, 3.1 +/- 3.3 and 3.3 +/- 3.4 mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.001 before vs after PMV and before vs follow-up; and p > 0.05 after PMV vs follow-up). Mean diastolic mitral gradients by the Doppler method were 18 +/- 6, 8 +/- 5 and 9 +/- 5 mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.001 before vs after PMV and before vs follow-up; and p > 0.05 after PMV vs follow-up). Mean diastolic mitral gradients by the Doppler method were 18 +/- 6, 8 +/- 5 and 9 +/- 5 mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.001 before vs after PMV and before vs follow-up; and p > 0.05 after PMV vs follow-up). Mitral valve areas by the echo-Doppler method were 1.1 +/- 0.3, 2.0 +/- 0.4 and 1.8 +/- 0.5 cm2, respectively (p < 0.001 before vs after PMV and before vs follow-up; and p > 0.05 after PMV vs follow-up). Phonocardiographic and vectorcardiographic studies, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing showed significant improvement after PMV and at follow-up.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Long-term clinical and echocardiographic follow-up after percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty with the Inoue balloon

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the long-term clinical outcome and valvular changes (area and regurgitation) after percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV). METHODS AND RESULTS: After PMV, 561 patients were followed up for 39 (+/-23) months and clinical/echocardiographic data obtained yearly. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed to estimate event-free survival, its predictors, and the relative risks of several patient subgroups. There were several nonexclusive events: 19 (3.3%) cardiac deaths, 55 (9.8%) mitral replacements, 6 (1%) repeated PMVs, 56 (10%) cases of restenosis, and 108 (19%) cases of clinical impairment. Survival free of major events (cardiac death, mitral surgery, repeat PMV, or functional impairment) was 69% at 7 years, ranging from 88% to 40% in different subgroups of patients. Wilkins score was the best preprocedural predictor of mitral opening, but the procedural result (mitral area and regurgitation) was the only independent predictor of major event-free survival. Mitral area loss, though mild [0.13 (+/-0.21)cm2], increased with time and was >/=0.3 cm2 in 12%, 22%, and 27% of patients at 3, 5, and 7 years, respectively. Regurgitation did not progress in 81% of patients, and when it occurred it was usually by 1 grade. CONCLUSIONS: Seven years after PMV, more than two thirds of patients were in good clinical condition and free of any major event. The procedural result was the main determinant of long-term outcome, although a high score had also negative implications. Mitral area decreased progressively over time, whereas regurgitation did not tend to progress.     

Left ventricular perforation during percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty has been reported to be complicated by left ventricular perforation with fatal results. We report two cases of left ventricular perforation following balloon mitral valvuloplasty. In one patient left ventricular perforation occurred silently without any hemodynamic sequelae and was only detected at left ventricular angiography after valvuloplasty. In the second patient left ventricular perforation was caused by the mitral dilating balloon catheter. The subsequent tamponade was relieved by immediate aspiration with hemodynamic stabilization thereafter. Neither patient required surgery. Both patients are well 6 mon after the procedure. We discuss the mechanism of this serious complication in these two patients.     

Neuro-embolic protection during percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty.

This report describes the management of a patient with severe symptomatic mitral stenosis and a large mobile thrombus extending from the left atrial appendage that was resistant to warfarin therapy. Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty was performed with cerebral protection using bilateral internal carotid artery filters to minimize the risk of embolic stroke.     

String-plucking as a mechanism of chordal rupture during balloon mitral valvuloplasty using Inoue balloon catheter

Percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy using the Inoue technique was performed in a 59-year-old female with mitral stenosis and a severely calcified mitral leaflets. Although not entrapped in the subvalvular apparatus, the balloon catheter was deviated away from the mitral orifice-apex axis of the left ventricle during the inflation of the proximal balloon, which plucked and severed the chordae tendineae of the posterior mitral leaflet and resulted in severe mitral regurgitation. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Intervent. 47:213–217, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Left ventricular perforation during percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty.

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty has been reported to be complicated by left ventricular perforation with fatal results. We report two cases of left ventricular perforation following balloon mitral valvuloplasty. In one patient left ventricular perforation occurred silently without any hemodynamic sequelae and was only detected at left ventricular angiography after valvuloplasty. In the second patient left ventricular perforation was caused by the mitral dilating balloon catheter. The subsequent tamponade was relieved by immediate aspiration with hemodynamic stabilization thereafter. Neither patient required surgery. Both patients are well 6 mon after the procedure. We discuss the mechanism of this serious complication in these two patients.     

Intracardiac echocardiography-guided percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty

Percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) was initially described by Inoue in 1984 as a novel percutaneous technique for the management of mitral stenosis. Intracardiac echocardiography was initially used in the 1980s but was not universally accepted due to its high-frequency transducers and problems with steerability and manipulation. In the 1990s technical improvements led to more generalized use in various structural interventional procedures. We present the case of a successful PMBV guided exclusively by ICE.     

Natural history and predictors of moderate mitral regurgitation following balloon mitral valvuloplasty using Inoue balloon

BACKGROUND: We studied the predictors and natural history of moderate mitral regurgitation following valvuloplasty using Inoue balloon since it has not been well documented in a large series. METHODS: Balloon mitral valvuloplasty was performed in 590 consecutive patients with severe mitral stenosis with mitral regurgitation of mild or lesser grade. Echocardiography and haemodynamics of patients who developed moderate mitral regurgitation were compared with those who did not. They were followed-up. Factors that predicted the development of moderate regurgitation were studied. RESULTS: 21 patients (3.5%) developed moderate regurgitation (identified by auscultation, haemodynamics, angiography and colour flow mapping). They were managed conservatively. At 3 months, regurgitation decreased in severity to mild grade in 12 patients. At 1 year, it was trivial in 5, mild in 11 and remained moderate in 5. There was progressive symptomatic improvement. No clinical, echocardiographic, hemodynamic or procedural variables could predict the development of moderate mitral regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with moderate regurgitation after mitral valvuloplasty show gradual improvement in regurgitation and symptoms. There were no factors-clinical, echocardiographic, hemodynamic or procedural-that predicted the occurrence of moderate MR after BMV.