Balloon dilatation pulmonary valvuloplasty in pulmonary stenosis

Balloon valvuloplasty was used to treat congenital pulmonary valve stenosis in 13 patients, 11 with isolated pulmonary stenosis, one associated with complex univentricular heart and tricuspid atresia, and one associated with tetralogy of Fallot. A balloon catheter was introduced through the pulmonary valve over a guidewire positioned in the distal pulmonary artery and inflated for 15 seconds on two or three occasions to 3 to 5 atmospheres and rapidly deflated. Marked improvement in pressure gradients was achieved in eight of the 11 patients with isolated pulmonary valve stenosis and symptoms disappeared in the only patient in this group who was symptomatic. The two patients with complex congenital malformations improved clinically. The procedure was without complication and satisfactory results have been maintained from two to twelve months later. The procedure offers effective treatment. We believe that pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty should be the initial treatment for isolated severe and moderate pulmonary valve stenosis.