Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy in pregnancy using the Inoue balloon catheter

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PBMV) using the Inoue balloon catheter was performed successfully in 2 patients with severe mitral stenosis refractory to medical treatment during pregnancy. Because of its unique design and ease of manipulation, we recommend the Inoue balloon catheter for performing PBMV in selected patients with mitral stenosis during pregnancy, as procedure and fluoroscopy times can be significantly shortened.