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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement from Autologous Pericardium with a Self-Expandable Nitinol Stent in an Adult Sheep Model
Published on: June 8, 2022
[Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. Perforation and pulmonary valvuloplasty using a modified
Juan Alcíbar-Villa1, Ainhoa Rubio, Natividad Peña
1Sección de Hemodinámica, Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital de Cruces, Baracaldo, Vizcaya, Spain. jalcibar@hcru.osakidetza.net
Introduction And Objectives:
In patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS), radiofrequency-assisted perforation of the valve is the most widely used initial therapy when the anatomy is favorable. We report our experience with a modified mechanical technique that gave good results.
Methods:
Between November 2001 and October 2006, valve opening was carried out successfully in 11 consecutive neonates with a favorable anatomy (i.e., Alwi groups A and B, and tricuspid valve Z-score -1.1 [1.3]). The technique involved snare-assisted anterograde or retrograde perforation with the soft tip of a special guidewire used for chronic total coronary artery occlusions, use of an arteriovenous loop, and progressive balloon dilatation from a diameter of 2 mm to a maximum diameter of 9.6 [1.2] mm.
Results:
Valve opening was achieved in all patients, and right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure fell from 97 [17] mmHg to 48 [13] mmHg (P< .001). No pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade was observed, though one neonate died 24 hours after the procedure due to pulmonary embolism. Six patients (54%) were discharged without any further intervention, while 4 (36%) required an additional increase in pulmonary blood flow. During the follow-up period of 25 [21] months, two patients died. Eight (72%) survived and were in New York Heart Association functional class 1. Two required additional surgery on the outflow tract, one of whom also needed a one-and-a-half ventricular repair. Data indicate that the valves remain open as RV structures grow, though without any change in the tricuspid valve Z-score.
Conclusions:
Pulmonary valvuloplasty using a mechanical technique proved effective in patients with PAIVS. Modification of the standard mechanical technique by using the soft tip of a special guidewire used for chronic total coronary artery occlusions was less aggressive and improved results. In patients with a favorable anatomy, results were comparable to those obtained using the radiofrequency technique.
