State-of-the-art percutaneous pulmonary valve therapy

Transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement is one of the most exciting recent developments in the treatment of patients with congenital heart disease and is being used to treat both stenotic and regurgitant valves within previously placed surgical conduits. Although limited somewhat by both patients and available valve sizes, ongoing attempts are being made to extend this technology to native right ventricular outflow tracts. If achieved, this will represent a significant advancement in attempts to prevent morbidity and mortality secondary to the chronic effects of right ventricular volume loading. This review deals with the development, current status and future endeavors of this approach.