[Balloon dilatation of calcified aortic stenosis]

Between November 1986 and March 1987, 14 patients (11 men and three women, aged 48-84 years, mean 71.3 years) had percutaneous transluminal balloon dilatation of calcific aortic valve stenosis. Peak transvalvar pressure gradients were reduced from a mean of 81.4 mm Hg (25-122 mm Hg) to a mean of 44.8 mm Hg (range 19-63 mm Hg). Calculated valve opening area was increased from a mean of 0.48 (0.3-0.86) cm2 to 0.75 (0.6-1.16) cm2. All but one patient were in stage III or IV (New York Heart Association) and most improved by about one stage. There were no complications that could be ascribed to the procedure. Blood transfusion was not required.