| Abstract: | This study was carried out to examine whether the previously determined balloon sizing method based on patient height was valid for percutaneous transvenous mitral commissurotomy using the current second-generation Inoue balloon catheter. The study consisted of 70 patients with pliable noncalcified mitral valves (group 1) and 85 patients with calcified mitral valves and/or severe subvalvular lesions (group 2). The mitral valve area was increased more in group 1 than in group 2 (1.0 ± 0.3 to 1.9 ± 0.5 cm2 versus 1.0 ± 0.3 to 1.6 ± 0.5 cm2, P = 0.002). Using the stepwise dilatation technique, none of the group 1 patients developed severe mitral regurgitation. Severe mitral regurgitation occurred in 4 patients (4.7%) in group 2. In conclusion, a simple balloon sizing method based on body height for selection of an appropriate-sized balloon catheter, as well as an initial inflated balloon diameter for the stepwise dilatation technique is useful for optimal acute outcomes in mitral commissurotomy. © Wiley-Liss, Inc. |
